Our Story
Our Beginnings
The Little Art Shop was a staple in the Mankas Corner Area/Fairfield for almost two decades. It began as a potter’s studio but soon became a little artist’s shop known for many years as The Clay Station.
The Clay Station then morphed into the beautiful “Little Art Shop” in 2016 and continued the tradition of giving local artisans a venue to display and sell their work.
A year later, June 3, 2017, The Little Art Shop opened its new location in The Historic Tannery Building on the beautiful Carquinez Straits waterfront of 1st Street in Benicia, CA. Here The Little Art Shop joined the local community of outstanding Benicia and greater San Francisco Bay area artisans where we continue our tradition of welcoming local artists and inspiring creativity!
Our Future
There is much history to the gallery and gift shop that started as the Clay Station in the wine country of the Suisun Valley at Mankas Corner. Originally a collective of pottery and clay artists, it expanded over its 22 years to become a showcase of artists of many talents who work with many mediums.
Its roots, however, are not forgotten as there is still fine pottery and clay works in the gallery. Strong roots produce strong growth and much fruit. Today, that fruit has many shapes, colors, textures, and new technologies.
In 2021, new track lighting was added to showcase artwork in it's dazzling brilliance. We continue to bring up and coming local artists to light and showcase their tremendous talents, all while cherishing our unique venue on the water in the breathtaking beauty of Benicia.