Casa De Artes

Opened by Lillian Lees and her husband Myron in 1972, this is the third incarnation of Casa De Artes in Castro Valley. The Lees fill the shop with hand-selected pieces from around the world. There is nothing touristy or kitschy here, just good quality art from countries as diverse as Haiti, China, Uruguay and India. The Lees' predilection for being rock-hounds is evident in the great number of carved-stone fetishes and other figurines. There are plenty of mirrors and masks, carved boxes and bowls, brass and ceramic statues and Southwestern jewelery, among other treasures. Original paintings by local artists Van Waldron and Mark Mertens are also available.