Beauty is in the Eye…
Notable Local Artists and Galleries in Woodland Hills

As incredible as this may seem, there is a structure and a protocol to the world of art, and to the art gallery system in particular. As a system that’s been in place essentially as long as galleries have been operating – and one that’s not about to change any time soon – artists navigate this circuit from gallery to gallery and exhibit to exhibit during the course of their tenures in entirely predictable and orderly manners; there’s actually nothing random about it. There are always explainable reasons why particular works of art and the corresponding artists responsible for them end up at specific museums, galleries and other established art venues.

In the Woodland Hills community of L.A., many pieces of fantastic local artwork exist among equally enthralling galleries and outlets, though most of these have remained “hidden treasures” – until now. The following galleries represent the pinnacle of showcasing the artistic eye and how it can capture beautiful scenery, offering awe-inspiring visual pieces for gifts, viewing or making your own home a truly magical place. Some of these galleries in Woodland Hills transcend the concept of a traditional “gallery,” transporting patrons to a place where art, décor and design become one.

Joseph Wahl Arts & Joeybaby, located at 5305 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, presents a hip, quirky approach to the modern-day interior design and art aesthetic with a selection of canvas wall art and prints, children’s growth charts and even fun decals. Among the shop’s notable canvas wall art and prints inventory are the Cherry Blossom Birdies, accentuated with small birds frolicking and playing in their favorite cherry blossom tree, and the uber-cool License Plate Peace Sign, both designed by Oopsy Daisy’s San Diego studios. In specializing in children’s décor and furniture,Joseph Wahl Arts & Joeybaby also offers an impressive range of beautiful, uniquely-constructed baby mobiles.

Among the local galleries in Woodland Hills, Gallery 319, located at 19720 Ventura Boulevard, offers a wide variety of personally-selected artwork to satisfy every collector, regardless of eclectic taste. The gallery’s philosophy is rooted in a belief to present art in a fun and comfortable atmosphere, and the staff prides themselves on warm hospitality, professional attitude and personal attention for all artwork and framing needs. Michele Rosen, founder of Gallery 319, has been in the art business for more than 20 years and is the second generation of her family involved in the sale, distribution, location and installation of fine art from the around the world.

Art Departure, located at 19932 Ventura Boulevard, is a full-service gallery and studio experience for artists of all ages and abilities, focusing on creativity and personal growth through the medium of art-making. An ever-changing space featuring handmade pieces by local artists compliments a collection of extraordinary vintage treasures in addition to art classes and workshops, art parties – including birthdays for kids and adults plus art and wine extravaganzas for adults and private corporate events – and more. Art Departure is all about opening doors in a nurturing and accepting environment where everyone can “spread their wings and fly.”

Great American Ink, situated at 22650 Victory Boulevard, is an animation art gallery considered by experts and the media alike to be “The World’s Premier Gallery for Vintage Animation Art.” From pre-production concept drawings and storyboards to production drawings, cels and beautifully hand-painted backgrounds, the gallery here has collected an astounding assortment of timeless pieces of art spanning the last nine decades of animated features and cartoons including those from Disney, Warner Bros., The Simpsons, Peanuts, Hanna-Barbera and a handful of super heroes properties.

Many a local artist has come from the Media Arts Department of Pierce College, where students produce everything from news packages, documentaries, podcasts and other audio/video works to expert pieces of photography, multimedia, cinema, journalism, public relations, broadcasting and more. Here, students learn core skills while gaining experience utilizing state-of-the-art technology, with many Media Arts Department graduates going on to work for the Los Angeles Times, Daily News, Associated Press, KCET, CBS and many other major media organizations.

Each area of art requires its own set of criteria when determining “good” and “bad’ – i.e. painting, sculpting, printmaking, craft, conceptual, etc. – but at the core of it all is the importance of originality in this determination. From our perspective, what makes “good” art is when you see a piece from across the room and you immediately fall in love with it, without knowing anything about it; indeed, the galleries and venues of this roundup will have you focusing on something special before you know it.