The Mosaic House

Cheri & Gonzalo, Front Patio of Mosaic House

This coming Sunday, 11/22, is the Fall Art Show at The Mosaic House. The artists and owners of this must-see house are Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran. Both are marvelous painters and sculptors. Cheri and Gonzalo have transformed their little Palms boulevard post-war tract house and studio into a whimisical mosaic extravaganza, inside and out.

Cheri and Gonzalo used to open up their studio every single Saturday to visitors. I suppose they wanted some privacy, so now it's only open for the art shows and by appointment.

I'm a big fan of California tile. I love Malibu Tile, Claycraft, Catalina, Batchelder, etc. Los Angeles architecture is rich in tile. I grew up with tile. I love the vivid images. A marvelous example of Malibu tile is the Adamson House. The Adamsons and Rindges owned and operated Malibu Potteries in the 1920's and 1930's. Their beach house is an exquisite example of the medium. I urge you to tour this magnificent home and see examples of classic California tilework.

Waaaaay on the other side of classic California-style tile is The Mosaic House. When you see Cheri's and Gonzalo's house from the street, you are amazed at the garden. Wait until you walk inside the house! Gonzalo has covered almost every inch of the place with tile and color, from the kitchen to the bathroom to the studio...it's a frenzy of color, shape and texture.

The stove in the kitchen is purple!

Cheri's Multiple Portraits of Gonzalo

In the huge studio are Cheri's and Gonzalo's painting and sculptures. Many items are very reasonably priced. However, there is no pressure to buy anything. Just go and experience this eye-candy.

"Skyline-2" by Gonzalo

They call him the 'Chagall' of Mexico

You can read about Cheri and Gonzalo here. Years ago, when I first visited The Mosaic House I asked Cheri how she met Gonzalo. It's a most romantic story. Cheri buys paint at Nova Color in east Culver City. Gonzalo has worked there for years and he always waited on Cheri when she came into the store. One day, Cheri and Gonzalo were in the back of the store, looking for a particular color that Cheri wanted. They started kissing. They've been together ever since! LOVE that story!!!!

One of Gonzalo's Shoe Sculptures

Cheri's 'Nude' Plate

Gonzalo & Cheri in the Studio

See you on Sunday at the Mosaic House, 1116 Palms Boulevard, Venice CA 90291(between Lincoln Blvd & Penmar Ave). All photos in this post are from Cheri's and Gonzalo's website.