Gold Country Artists Gallery

This gallery is an absolute staple on Main St. I grew up visiting often. It’s a comfortable old building that displays some of the best local artists. Photography, mixed media, jewelry, paintings… you name it, you’ll find it here. They’ve been voted Best Gallery on multiple platforms, and for good reason!
The building itself is almost a work of art. It’s old, the loud creaking floors give that away, but I think that really adds to the character of the place.

Gold Country Artists is the gold standard for galleries on Main St Placerville. The front windows are always an inviting preview of what’s inside, which is a collective treasure trove of approaches to visual art. The gallery is a cooperative, led for several years by one of the most wonderful people in Placerville, Bill Robinson (remember Rivendell Bookstore?). Because it’s a cooperative, the person behind the desk is ever changing. Only critique: if you are on the desk, always, always interact with customers! Nevertheless, with or without a greeting from the usually sitting and half hidden shopkeeper of the day, Gold Country Artists is a place to wander in, wonder, spend time, and buy art.

For such a good size space I thought I’d see several great artists. I saw two noteworthy artists (of many) so it wasn’t a total waste of a visit. I did however not buy a piece out of principle. I waited patiently to talk to one of the artists working (collaborative so they’re also the sales people)…and had to listen to the most self righteous crap I’ve ever heard! Sooo many over enunciated words! By the time she’d finished talking, I almost didn’t want to ask about the painting although it definitely was not her work. She did mediocre ceramics pieces. Although I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes, I still kinda wanted to ask about the piece and she had the nerve to go out of her way to not help me! She spent what felt like ages on people who weren’t really buyers because they’d listen to her gush over herself but wouldn’t spend a minute on me when I wanted to buy a piece. So not worth going to this gallery again. Not on principle… the work overall just wasn’t that fantastic… definitely not worth it.

I agree with the previous poster – this really is a gem. Large selection of paintings and prints by local artists as well as glass, ceramics and jewelry and even clothing. Be sure to go upstairs. If you’re looking for a really unique gift or something to display in your own home (or wear) this is the place!

This is the longest established art gallery in El Dorado County. There are 45 local artists here and all produce excellent paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photographs, etc. This is a unique gem in the heart of old Placerville.