San Anselmo, California is nestled in the heart of beautiful Marin county. Just north of San Francisco, the town makes for a great day trip. Let’s say you’re on your way home and remember tomorrow is your bestie’s birthday. Savvy Divas don’t settle for the predictable. We’ve found three little-known sources of arts and crafts which assures you a thoughtful gift along with a great back-story.

ARTIST WITHIN – A CEDARS GALLERY:
At Artist Within you can buy one-of-a-kind items for a reasonable price. Your purchase supports the gallery as well as artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

These spectacular paintings are the work of Anna Price.

Sheila is working on a three-month project involving 30 feet of fabric. She’s really talented, as you can see.

With luck the creator of these lovely earrings will be on site.

Megan Olsen is working on a drawing for the Monochrome show, on display through November 22. She is a multi-talented artist who also makes jewelry. Megan told us Robin Williams used to shop here.

Cedars is celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2019 through a number of fun events, including Cedars Centennial Gala at the San Rafael JCC March 30. On September 29 Cedaraville will be at San Anselmo Country Fair Day.

Don’t forget to buy yourself something too while shopping.

ART ABLOOM:

Inside this craft studio for local kids is a couple of shelves selling some really creative stuff, like hand-thrown pottery, paintings, collages, and mobiles made from recycled pencils and markers.

Owner Gabriella Drake has spent the last 16 years running her drop-in studio where children learn new crafts, creating original artwork, some for sale in the front window display. The studio is a great place to bring your children when they want to make a gift for that special someone. Gabriella never tells her students what to make, merely provides the resources, and the results are wonderful.

SAN QUENTIN GIFT SHOP:
Yep, that’s right, a prison gift shop, no appointment necessary.
Ok, not really San Anselmo, rather an unincorporated part of Marin County, the part tourists don’t usually see. Surprisingly, there’s a lovely view of the San Francisco Bay.

If you’re inclined to take photos, remember to stay behind the yellow line, that’s the official end of the prison grounds.

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Artist Within – a Cedars Gallery
603 San Anselmo Avenue
San Anselmo, CA
cedarslife.org

Art Abloom
751 Sir Francisco Drake
San Anselmo, CA
artabloom.com

San Quentin Gift Shop
156 Main St
San Quentin,CA