Boutique Shopping at Menlo Park’s Historic Allied Arts

While many unique shopping destinations have mastered the art of class and elegance, few manage to do so while still paying homage the bohemian, funky artistic spirit of Northern California. The Allied Arts Guild is where these seemingly different worlds collide in style; think Prada meets Birkenstock. Whether gabbing with friends at the café or purchasing a handcrafted Italian leather purse, visitors will find themselves immersed in a tangible vibe of chic tranquility. Just two left turns from the Stanford Shopping Center, the Artisan Shop at the Allied Arts Guild is a popular spot for Menlo Park and Palo Alto residents who are looking for unique treasures, decorative home and garden accents, one-of-a-kind clothing and more.

The entire complex is an enchanting example of Spanish Colonial architecture, replete with vibrant frescoes, hand-wrought iron, tiered fountains and hand-painted tiles. The Artisan Shop is located in “the Court of the Potter” section of the Allied Arts Guild complex, which was the site where the original potters who worked in the Guild back in the early 1900s. Though all of the land surrounding the Artisan Shop is landscaped, there are three meticulously maintained gardens for visitors to enjoy: the Garden of Delight, the Court of Abundance and Rose Allee. There is also a café onsite where shoppers can mull over potential purchases or celebrate a newly bought trinket while enjoying light gourmet snacks or full meals. The Allied Arts Guild is both a unique and tranquil hangout spot for shoppers of every ilk. One could easily spend the afternoon here, casually hunting for one-of-a-kind gifts, wandering through the gardens, sitting down to a tasty lunch and finishing the experience by sipping a cup of cappuccino next to a bubbling fountain.

Jewelry, Home Décor, Clothing and Much More…

The Artisan Shop at the Allied Arts Guild showcases the collected works of over 70 artists, each one specializing in their own unique area, such as home décor, children’s gifts, handmade jewelry, blown glass, pottery, wall art or boutique clothing. As visitors wander through the shop, they may see hand-painted silk shawls hanging next to intricately beaded gowns, ceramic garden sculptures sitting next to glass cases filled with antique crystals and freshwater pearl necklaces, or an incredible painting hanging above a selection of jewel-toned handmade silk throw pillows. There is also a selection of one-of-a-kind children’s gifts, such as the Story-Puppets. These unique dolls begin as the main character from a popular children’s story and can be turned inside out to reveal one or more of the stories other characters; for example, the Little Red Riding Hood Doll turns into both the Big Bad Wolf and Little Red’s Grandma.

70 Artists, One Cause – Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Honoring both the elegance of artisan works and the free spirited, philanthropic notions of Northern California hippies-at-heart, the Artisan Shop at Allied Arts Guild sells the upscale, boutique creations of the 70 local artists and donates all of the profits to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. The shop is 100% volunteer-run, allowing the maximum amount of support to be given to the hospital’s funds for uncompensated care and art therapy programs. Silicon Valley residents and visitors can contribute to the care for critically ill children by purchasing the incredible crafts showcased at the Artisan Shop, simultaneously promoting the arts and the success of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. The Artisan Shop also sponsors a variety of events, such as exhibits for new artists and benefits for local associations. Though there are many places to go shopping in San Mateo County, the Artisan Shop at the Allied Arts Guild is one of the most unique.