Crafthaus goes to...Equinox Gallery in San Antonio, TX

For the past few years, I have been fortunate to be able to spend a few weeks in Texas every December. I am glad to escape the Snomageddon that typically befalls us in the northern regions of the US that time of year, but also because Texas is just plain FUN. I love the area around Austin particularly, good food and great music, horse-back riding, fishing, relaxing - how much better can it get?

Every year, I also make a point to visit San Antonio at least once. The Alamo, the River Walk and other quirky spots make this city a wonderful place to visit. By night the River Walk is beautifully lit with thousands of white lights hanging from all the trees along the river, and it is always busy with the many outdoor eateries packed with people having dinners under the lights. The weather is typically nice enough to walk around even in December. This year it never got below 55F while I was there, much better than anything we had in Chicago for sure.

Equinox Gallery is located in La Villita, an interesting collection of shops directly on the River Walk. The gallery is run by metalsmith Alejandro Sifuentes (crafthaus profile) who, unfortunately, was not there while I visited, he took the day off to go on a well-deserved vacation. Instead, I had the great pleasure of meeting his store assistant, Jared, who was just about the nicest and most enthusiastic employee one could wish for.

When I entered the gallery, he was busy working with 3 different customers, sizing rings and working on their various purchases. I used the time to look around the impeccably kept gallery space and and noticed the beautifully displayed work. To my joy, I saw a number of my jewelry mates' work in the shop:

And of course, Alejandros' own beautiful handiwork.

(YES, they let me open the display case and touch. I just can't stay away from opals. I have a weakness for those colors.)

Two Avery Lucas pieces to the left of the display case.

After Jared was finished helping his customers, he closed the shop up and invited me to peek into another building just a few doors down the street that Alejandro had recently purchased and converted into his personal studio. Painted in Alejandro's signature bright colors, the place was coming together as a functional workspace even though work still needs to get done to make it a more efficient and less cluttered area. Right now it serves as Alejandros's getaway, a safe place for him to make his work. It being so close to the gallery makes it absolutely perfect, he can go in and out as needed. I am sure when I come by next time, it will be as spic and span as the gallery. Looking forward to hanging out there already!

Thank you to Alejandro and Jared for your hospitality! Loved your spaces!

If you find yourself in San Antonio, be sure to visit this neat little gem of a gallery. Their opening hours typically are Monday - Saturday 10-6, Sundays closed, but that changes sometimes depending on how certain holidays fall.

More information:

http://www.alejandrosifuentes.com/