Give the gift of Oaktown Love
E14 Gallery is a small space that packs an Oaktown punch. Of course, it does, because the energetic and passionate owner-curator Viviana Rodriguez-Smith is born and raised in Oakland and is beautifully West Oakland proud. And, she’s on a mission. E14 Gallery celebrates the diverse and extraordinary artistic talents of The Town. In short, she opened E14 to express the rich culture of the “Oakland that was already here.”
Indeed this little gallery brims with made-in-Oakland art and other surprises. Every detail of the shop is dedicated to Viviana’s deep Oakland love. Even the floor is a work of art. But, you can’t buy the floor so luckily there are other things on offer: artwork from local artists, lifestyle apparel such as hoodies and t-shirts: jewelry; greeting cards, home accessories, and other curios. No matter what you buy here though, it’s Oakland art made with Oakland heart. And, she’s always spying new Oakland talent so there will always be surprises that delight.
Like us, Viviana worries that the Oakland that we know and love is slowly (quickly?) disappearing and we may lose our talent. So e14 is, perhaps, her effort to preserve it for just a little longer.
There is a small but powerful action that we can all take to preserve our community: We can shop local just a little more often. It’s a vote with our wallets. Indeed, this impactful action is an investment in our community, builds stronger social ties, and reduces our impact on our environment.
More About e14 Gallery
What they offer: Art, clothing, jewelry, accessories, curios, books, (all oakland made by Oakland designers and artists), artist receptions, events, and Oakland love and talent
