Best Shops For Affordable Art In Sacramento
Artists' Collaborative Gallery
129 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95812
(916) 444-7125
www.artcolab.com
For the last 30 years, the Artists Collaborative Gallery has been offering an amazing variety of original art to the community. It is well known throughout the greater Sacramento area. Around 35 artists show their work here. The artists take turns running the place as, after all, it is a collaborative space. You may just meet the person who sculpted, painted, forged or built that piece that you have to have. Is it affordable? Yes, although there are always some pieces that may be more than you can handle.
Gold Country Artist's Gallery
379 Main St.
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 642-2944
www.goldcountryartistsgallery.comA short drive east on U.S. Highway 50 to Placerville will be well worth your time. First, you're out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Second, you'll find a magnificent gallery in an equally magnificent building in historic Placerville. Home to a diverse group of artists, you'll need to take your time wandering through here. Your wallet will be most pleased with your decision to search for that special piece in this gallery. The collection of original art and the welcoming nature of this gallery will bring you back more than once. Main Street, Placerville is also stocked with great restaurants to tide you over while you ponder what it is you are going to take home with you.
The Sacramento Temporary Contemporary Gallery
1616 Del Paso Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 921-1224
www.tempartgallery.comIn the Del Paso Design District of Sacramento, this lively and spirited gallery will take your breath away. There's a new show every month, featuring different artists from around the region. It is a full schedule of art works from the likes of Maria Winkler and Greg Kondos, and the list goes on. It's on the high end of affordable, but you'll be able to find something here, besides the joy of simply being around this much fun and fantastic art.
2nd Saturday Art Walk Sacramento
Midtown and Del Paso Blvd. Districts
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 808-7888
www.2ndsecondsaturdaysacramento.com
This suggestion isn't a place. It's many places and an overall happening, an art work itself simply by its nature. On the second Saturday of each month, the art galleries and artists of Sacramento stay up late, until 9 p.m. The walk generally begins at 6 p.m. and covers quite a lot of streets. You'll have to plan your time well. If it's art, in any form, it's here, along with performances and great food. If you can't find an affordable piece of art for you palace during this event, there's always the second Saturday of the next month. Patience pays off here. You'll find it and have one wonderful time doing so.
Clouds Porcelain
608 1/2 Sutter St.
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 985-3411
www.cloudspottery.comSince 1977, the potters in this collaborative have been throwing and molding clay. What they make spans the kiln from utilitarian pots to art works. About 80 percent of their wares, all porcelain clay, are thrown on potter's wheels. The rest is cast in molds. Using oxidation and reduction firings produce a wide variety of pots. They are all high fired and feature some of the best hand-thrown and cast ware that you'll find. This family owned and run business has been offering great art at great prices for a very long time.
Charles Ferris is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 37 years. In 2010 he retired from teaching after 36 years . He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
