Have you ever walked by a neighborhood independent shop an infinite number of times and never once even noticed it? Then, one day, voila! It just “appears out of nowhere” and you “discover” something “new.” Something, you wish that you’d known about the whole time.
I had one of those moments, except it wasn’t just a shop that I had been missing: It was an entire beautiful Courtyard. I’d just never noticed it before. Some people who know me might not be that surprised. Whatever.
This Piedmont Avenue “secret” lane has the charm of Carmel but the character of Oaktown! This little spot is a jewel: Five N Dime Vintage Pimlico Place, Mille Fiori and E-clectique Gallery. And let’s not forget that Gypsy Road Studios is right there too! If you love art, vintage decor, unique artifacts, and antiques in pretty much every category, then this is the spot to investigate because it is a one-stop-shop marketplace for curios. It’s so Oakland here! Have you ever passed by this treasure island?
An E-clectique Greeting
Let’s talk about E-clectique Gallery for a moment. When I visited, I didn’t have a lot of time. But the 10 minutes I was there blew me away. First, I fell in love with Clara Bellino. She was running the shop that day for her husband and owner, Kris Mikkelson. Put it this way: We introduced ourselves with a handshake and parted with a hug! I am not talented enough to do justice to little shop or Clara and Kris.
Hopefully, the pictures will inspire you to check out the lovingly curated art, jewelry, vintage posters (galore), and antiques. In short: They love Oakland they love their community. Clearly, they love what they do and it’s reflected in their gallery of fascinating objets d’art! Warm. Wonderful. Beautiful. Like we always say you can’t buy that on the internet.
More About E-clectique Gallery
What they Carry: Art, paintings, prints, posters, furniture, vintage home decor, antiques, jewelry, collectibles, and other objects d’art.