Knowlton Gallery

My first visit to the Knowlton Gallery and I was impressed. It’s divided into two rooms… one where art students practice their craft with local art teachers and the gallery. We had a personal tour and the caretaker/​curator at the gallery answered every one of our questions and offered lots of helpful information about the artists that show their work at the gallery. It’s small, non-​intimidating for an amateur and not at all overwhelming which I quite liked. I would visit again while in downtown Lodi for a meal or event!

I have purchased several paintings from Robin at the Knowlton Gallery and I can tell you this is the best gallery I’ve ever dealt with. I’ve purchased from galleries, direct from artists and this is the best gallery I’ve ever dealt with. Great selection of artists, wonderful web site and Robin is the best.

I adore this place. It is just what Lodi needed in the downtown. The extensive display of paintings and jewelry is just amazing. I have sent many out of town visitors here. Robin, the owner, is very gracious and knowledgeable. In addition, they have featured some really interesting visiting artists. I also know first hand that they are very supportive and charitable within the Lodi community. I love this place and hope to see more businesses like this in Lodi in the future!

ART in Lodi???
Knowlton Gallery is located in the same complex as Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (
) and, the now closed, Old Arch Restaurant, on the second floor. From what was displayed today in the gallery and in past shows, Knowlton Gallery displays and promotes paintings and photography from local artists in and around the Big Valley. There is also Jewelry (as art) on display and for purchase also… but Knowlton expands it’s limited range beyond the Valley for this kind of art.
I happened to actually meet the owner/​namesake of the Gallery, Robin Knowlton, today while perusing the «Vines» exhibit. We discussed some of UOPs Art Professors/​Artists… Even though Ron Pecchenino (
), former Art Professor at UOP, wasn’t displaying in this exhibit… another former Art professor, Gil Dellinger (
) was. Robin stated she started as a collector in the 1970s… then the creation of the local Gallery… now she’s a Collector /​Promoter. She has had Knowlton Gallery open for the last three years.
«Vines» (
) is the current exhibit in the Gallery… you can readily guess what the theme of the art displayed will be… Some things which caught my eye today was this one Pastel by Dellinger (
) and another Oil Painting by Marilyn Eger (
).
I really feel Knowlton Gallery is limiting the appeal of Fine Arts in general by limiting what is displayed in the Gallery judging by past exhibits. Knowlton Gallery knows where the money is in Lodi, the growth of the Winery business has been tremendous in the last decade. But she does not have to limit the appeal to just Painting, Drawing, and Photography; and thematically of exhibits related to the Wine industry of Lodi.
I suggest she take a look at some non-​traditional arts… the growth and the popularity of Video (see
)… how about Advertising related to the Winery business… IMO, Vino Con Brio (
) has some very nicely designed labels on it’s bottles of Vino!
If Knowlton Gallery opens it’s eyes a little… Art is EVERYWHERE!