Best Peninsula Businesses With Art Galleries

Galleries are a breezy way to look at art without paying an admission or planning a day of it. The bonus is that you can buy a masterpiece if something strikes your fancy. Some galleries are coupled with framing and matting services for your own pieces. Others are full boutiques selling jewelry and curios in addition to framed paintings. Still others are straight-forward exhibition spaces showcasing artwork from specific artists. And of course, there is always the friendly neighborhood coffee shop that highlights student and local artists. What they have in common is a uniquely imagined space with original work that caters to a range of budgets and tastes. Here for your perusing pleasure is a list of the some of the best places on the pPeninsula to gaze at art, and maybe, add to your collection.

The Studio Shop
244 Primrose Road
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 344-1378
www.thestudioshop.com

The Studio Shop is a classic gallery and framing hybrid and the oldest retail business in Burlingame. In addition to framing, delivery and installation services, the shop offers art consultation. It can even frame flat-screen TVs and mirrors for you to give your home a fresh new look. The artwork featured is often contemporary fine art and includes sculpture and mixed media.

The Studio Shop Annex
350 Peninsula Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 343-7263
www.thestudioshop.com

The Annex is the Studio Shop's hip, younger sister hanging out in San Mateo. Both businesses can be reached through the listed website and both feature local as well as international artists. The Annex is more of a neighborhood boutique that also offers home goods, books and extensive framing services. As the warehouse location, this is where you can find deals on greatly discounted and discontinued frames.

Related: Best Art Galleries on the Peninsula

Red Square Boutique
1628 Palm Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 525-1477
www.redsquareboutique.com

This polished boutique offers a shopping experience that highlights fresh indie fashion and youthful design as well as artwork. There is great pride shown in fashion and you can order custom patterns and tailoring. The Boutique is also home to Camp Couture, a fashion design camp for kids run by Alexandria von Bromssen who competes on the newest season of "Project Runway." You're never too old to learn and adults can also sign up for classes.

Janakos & Company
1001 California Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 344-4050
www.burlingameantiques.com

This high-end antique and furniture store specializes in vintage modern, arts and crafts and Spanish revival. The ongoing collection is added to daily and everything is quality checked before hitting the showroom floor. You can find everything you need here to furnish a home or just add character including framed artwork, vintage toys and ceramics. Even the retail building is art deco.

Related: Best Art Festivals on the Peninsula

Pot-Pourri
1235 Broadway
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 347-3400
www.pot-pourri.com

Like the name implies, this is a one-stop shop for collectibles and sundries of all sorts. Customers are encouraged to browse through the eclectic and carefully selected gallery of gifts and home decor. You can find stationery, jewelry and ceramics, as well as original artwork by contemporary American artists.

Lollie Hopper loves to drink deeply from the well of culture. If it's beautiful, interesting or timely, this Bay Area native wants to cover it. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.