Silver Blue and Gold

Two years ago local jewelry artisan Karin Worden fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened a gallery focused on handcrafted jewelry: Silver Blue & Gold. Before opening Silver Blue & Gold, Karin was making her own line of jewelry in a studio located in Laguna Canyon and was an exhibitor  at Festival of Arts and the American Craft Council shows. This is where she met other fine artisans with similar aesthetics. With an eye for fine craftsmanship, Karin began gathering a group of artists to represent in her gallery. All of the jewelry carried at Silver Blue & Gold is hand fabricated, using ancient techniques of metal construction that demonstrate a deep respect for the precious metals and gems that they are made with.

Elements + Alloy is a husband and wife team from Philadelphia who met in architecture school. The influence of symmetry and order are reflective in their work.

Natasha’s work is strongly influenced by two places: Tibet, where she studied on a Fulbright Scholarship, and Brooklyn, her hometown. Although drastically different, both find their way into her work.

Davide is originally from Florence, Italy where he became an apprentice at the age of 14. Later he worked for large manufacturing companies before he made the decision to forge out on his own. Now he splits his time between Italy and Northern California working on his unique line of jewelry.

Much of her own work is inspired by the nature that surrounds her whether it’s on a hike in Laguna Canyon, while seeing the bloom of a wildflower, or a day at the beach seeing the varied blues of the Pacific.

“I love the process when I’m working on a piece. I let the metal speak to me. When I’m hiking and I see a flower I think to myself, what metal does this look like?  What texture would look like that? And I see that in a lot of the artists I represent. Many of them have a similar tactile (focus) in their work,” says Karin. Silver Blue & Gold is a jewelry gallery with a personal touch that Karin, as an artisan with over 20 years of experience, can bring to her clientele.  The gallery features over a dozen artists and there is something for everyone  with prices ranging from $50 to 5,000.

The art on the walls is not just a decorative piece to the gallery; it is part of the gallery. Each painting is coordinated with the showcase and is for sale. Pictured here is “Ocean” by Sheryl Smith Seltzer.

Blue Silver & Gold 

1492 S. Coast Hwy. #5

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

(949) 715-3000

Wednesday – Sunday 11am to 6pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Find them on Facebook for the latest news on trunk shows and special shows.

By Anne-Marie S.

The Cottage Gallery

When Nancy Stubbs moved to California in 1984, she found herself driving down highway 133, which was surrounded by canyon walls, and as she traveled further into town, those walls spilled open to reveal a spectacular view of Main Beach. In that moment, she fell in love with Laguna Beach and this became the town where she wanted to end up one day. Twenty-five years later she followed that dream and opened, The Cottage Gallery.

The Cottage Gallery is the only gallery in Laguna Beach to occupy a historic home. You feel the inviting spirit that only a “home” can invoke, as you enter the gallery doors. Nancy’s vision for The Cottage was to create a space that was artist centric, a gallery thats mission is to propel the artist, whether beginner or seasoned, to greater heights. She made it her goal to find artists that were passionate about their work and focused on that passion above anything else. Nancy is familiar with having passion for one’s art; as she herself is an artist…a painter. Her entire career was spent in the IT field working in offices, yet at her core she was always an artist. She was always painting and studying her art form and in her retirement she decided to follow those artistic leanings and open The Cottage Gallery.

In the few short years The Cottage Gallery has been open, they’ve filled the 1,000 sq. ft. space with a variety of work, with nearly 20 artists in rotation. The art works adorn the walls and take up residence in every corner and yet, as you move between the rooms they don’t feel overcrowded… rather it’s a peaceful and relaxed experience. A full scope of mediums can be found including sculptures, paintings and mixed media, that appeals to the novice collector, as well as the art enthusiast. In fact, famed water colorist Bill Hudson is the gallery’s resident artist. You can find him at work in the gallery on many days.

It was clear on my visit to The Cottage Gallery that Nancy has taken the time to find art that is compelling and thoughtful. She has created a space that is welcoming to anyone that walks through the doors and has given artists a place they can call home in this historic 1930s bungalow, now known as The Cottage Gallery.

The Cottage Gallery 

1524 South Coast Hwy.

  *across the street from Surf & Sand Resort

949.497.8932

Open Wednesday – Sunday, Noon to 5pm or by appointment

By Anne-Marie S.

Swenson Fine Art, Laguna Beach

Located: 460 So. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach

Conveniently located in downtown Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Swenson Fine Art focuses on modern art. At Swenson you will find a contemporary art space filled with work that is diverse and interesting. From 3-dimensional pieces that include studio glass, bronze and ceramics to 2-dimensional art.

Looking in

Malott & Rae

Kazandjian, 'Spiral in Five Movements'

Owner and curator Laurie Swenson has lived and breathed the art business for over 22 years. From her travels around the globe, she found inspiration, harnessed it and has brought together modern works that both the novice collector and the avid art lover can enjoy.

The gallery is also one you want to be sure to visit on the monthly First Thursday’s Art Walk . There is always something happening on these nights as art patrons hit the streets of Laguna from 6:00-9:00pm. It may be a featured artist, a special exhibit of classic works, live music or just browsing with some champagne. This month, Swenson Fine Art is displaying one of the “Artful Violins” as part of an online action in support of Laguna Beach Live and their music education programs. You can view the violin by artists Malotee & Rae, now through Feb 6, 2011.

By Anne-Marie S.

Village Gallery, Laguna Beach

Location: 502 S. Coast Highway

The Village Gallery is a relaxed and inviting gallery to visit. Every square inch of the space from floor to ceiling is covered in art. Landscapes, stills, portraits, and more, can be found here. For over 30 years the gallery has specialized in introducing the beginning collector to the world of art.

Thomas Kinkade

Fabian Perez

Jim Keifer

The gallery boasts many classic Thomas Kinkade pieces, collectibles, and frames. As one of the first galleries to feature Kinkade, Village Gallery was a contributing factor in launching Kinkade’s career and subsequent success.

If you decide to purchase a piece of art from the gallery, they also offer unique custom framing. And if you can’t find the art or frame you are looking for, the staff is extremely helpful in locating exactly what you desire. Also, be sure to subscribe to their mailing list as you will be reminded to attend future events, as well as keeping apprised to what artist is featured at the gallery.

If you are new to the world of art and visiting galleries, start at Village Gallery for a warm atmosphere that allows you to peruse freely and easily.

By Anne-Marie S.