Shopping artfully 

Even though Art After Dark doesn’t return till February, it doesn’t mean you can’t patronize these fine art spaces throughout SLO County.

Art is the perfect gift: it can be affordable and it’s the ultimate solution when you say to yourself, “I have no idea what to get so-and-so.” 

Happy holiday shopping! 

ARTS Space Obispo: 570 Higuera #165 (SLO Creamery). “Functional Finesse,” seven outstanding local furniture designers with roots in modern, craftsman and contemporary design styles. Reception Dec. 4, 6-9 p.m. and shows through Dec. 19. Info: 544-9251.

Cayucos Community Art Gallery presents Deborah Kyle Hintergardt, showing Dec. 7-Jan. 29 in a show titled “Creatures Great and Small,” with displays of glorious animal portraits amidst country landscapes. Vivid color, play of light, and joyful moods are portrayed in her acrylic paintings. At the foot of the pier. Wed.-Sun., 1-4 p.m. Info: 995-2049.

Earth Tones Gallery: I319 Park St., Paso Robles. Info: 238-4413.

Frame Works: 339 Marsh, SLO. Art Eco: art made from recycled, reused, or reclaimed materials. 12 local artists. 20% of proceeds donated to Land Conservancy for the Octagon Barn. Info: 542-9000 or SLOART.com.

The Gallery at the Network: 778 Higuera, in the Network. ARTFUL Gift Show featuring special guest artists as well as the talented gallery artists. Info: 788-0886 or galleryatthenetwork.com.

Linnaea’s Cafe: 1110 Garden. Featured artists for December: Women painters Loretta Ramseyer and Christina Sheffield. Through December 28. Info: 541-5888.

The Photo Shop: 1027 B Marsh. The Heart of Africa: Beautiful photography by Paul Knupp. Artist reception will be held Dec. 12 from 5-8 p.m. 1027 B Marsh Street. Info: 543-4025 or photoshopslo.com.

Picking Daisies, Beautiful Napkins for Everyday Use: 570 Higuera #120 (SLO Creamery). Abstract landscape paintings by German artist Anne Stahl. Info: 783-2434 or Annestahl.com.

SLO Art Center: 1010 Broad, in Mission Plaza. The Art Center opens its famous Craft Art Market through December. In addition, three galleries on view every day from 11- 5 p.m. Info: sloartcenter.org or 543-8562.

Steynberg Gallery: 1531 Monterey St. “Monkeys in My Head,” new paintings by Mark Bryan showing through December. Info: 547-0278, steynberggallery.com or markbryan.com.

Steaming Bean Coffee and Tea Company in Pismo Beach, at 1651 Shell Beach Rd., exhibits works by John Landon and more. Check them out while you are caffeinating. Info: 773-2222.

Studio 23 in the Creamery: 570 Higuera #253 (SLO Creamery). Showing glass mosaic pieces and photography. Info: 781-6910.

West Coast Gallery features Gregory Simmons, Thomadro, Rubi Glass, and more exhibit. 991 Price St., Suite A, Pismo Beach. Info: 295-6120 or 305-8103.