Best Art Gallery

The Johnson Gallery tied for first place with the SLO Art Center, but the address and comments did not appear.

 

The Johnson Gallery, 547 Marsh St., in downtown SLO, is as much a retreat as it is an art gallery. Paintings and sculptures of local artists are displayed in a beautifully decorated turn-of-the-century home and carriage house out back nestled in a serene sculpture garden with running water and redwood trees.

"We're in a historic setting which has been completely remodeled and [is] open to the public," said proprietor Gail Johnson. "Our outside garden is the only venue of its kind for original sculpture," she adds.

But it's the art at the heart.

"We show only original work almost exclusively by local artists, which includes a rotating show plus our regular stable of artists," said Johnson. "And we show originals, not reproductions."

Johnson is known in and outside the art world for creating Art After Dark, where galleries and other venues all
over town display their art the first
Friday of every month amid music and poetry readings.

But you gotta see this gallery. And bring your lunch. You can sit in the garden and enjoy the surroundings.

 

Best Frozen Yogurt

Country Culture was voted third, Cold Stone 2nd, and Bali's 1st.

 

Best Gift Shop

Country Classics was voted third, Hole in the Sky 2nd, and Hands Gallery 1st.

Best Used Bookstore

Aida's was voted third, Phoenix 2nd, and Leon's 1st.

 

Best Thrift Store

Goodwill Industries contributes 95 percent - not 5 percent - of proceeds to vocational training, education, job placement services, and employment for people with barriers to employment.

 

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