Sometimes it is just the way a piece calls to you. Reaching out and touching your soul, intimately, as if it always knew you. It caresses you and lingers, like the taste of fine wine on your tongue. Hovering near your senses, tantalizing close, it is the breath of sweet air just before a kiss. Teasing you, asking if you wouldn't mind a little more, and finally leaving you with a just finished feeling of satisfaction and longing for another taste.

Like that.

I don’t necessarily have a preference for one medium over another. I like it all. Sculpture, painting, visual art, you name it.

And when I find a place that has a varied selection of contemporary artists, is warm and friendly, (like the owner), I feel I have to pass it on.

Located in Oceanside, Ca, Cleveland Street Gallery is that place. Two blocks west from Highway 101, CSG has an air of “cool” that is apparent when you walk in the door.

Whether you are looking for a custom painted surfboard by Matt Sesow (www.sesow.com), or a sketch to hang on the wall of your living room, Gia can probably help you.

She has been able to attract artists, clients and wannabe’s over the past year and a half, and just finished holding a very successful showing in which 50 + pieces were sold. That’s not easy to do when you are competing against sun, sand and surf in a beach community.

The galleries big windows may have something to do with it. I quite frequently drive by to check out the latest and am never disappointed.

Gia manages to find the art that makes people stop and look into the window, like a kid staring at a puppydog in the pet store. In fact while we were chatting, a young lady came walking into the gallery and asked about a painting on display in the window. She then said “I look at it every time I drive by.”

I also like the fact that you don’t feel you are in a hurry when you walk in. Some places have that feel to them, like you’d better get on with your business and get out. Not here. In fact, there is a little couch you can sit on, and soak it all in.

The counter has a very nicely done tile art application that catches your eye when you walk in. Sprinkled throughout are vases and sculptures, most from local artists. There is even a supply of finger puppets in case you were looking for a curio you might not find anywhere else. She is able to keep a constant supply of local artists pieces as well as the nationally recognized names.

The day I stopped in and chatted, she was getting ready for a surfboard shoot for a surfer magazine. She had several on display and is in the process of soliciting more. What could be cooler than your own custom ride complete with art to hang in your office, o

And when I find a place that has a varied selection of contemporary artists, is warm and friendly, (like the owner), I feel I have to pass it on.

Located in Oceanside, Ca, Cleveland Street Gallery is that place. Two blocks west from Highway 101, CSG has an air of “cool” that is apparent when you walk in the door.

Whether you are looking for a custom painted surfboard by Matt Sesow (www.sesow.com), or a sketch to hang on the wall of your living room, Gia can probably help you.

She has been able to attract artists, clients and wannabe’s over the past year and a half, and just finished holding a very successful showing in which 50 + pieces were sold. That’s not easy to do when you are competing against sun, sand and surf in a beach community.

The galleries big windows may have something to do with it. I quite frequently drive by to check out the latest and am never disappointed.

Gia manages to find the art that makes people stop and look into the window, like a kid staring at a puppydog in the pet store. In fact while we were chatting, a young lady came walking into the gallery and asked about a painting on display in the window. She then said “I look at it every time I drive by.”

I also like the fact that you don’t feel you are in a hurry when you walk in. Some places have that feel to them, like you’d better get on with your business and get out. Not here. In fact, there is a little couch you can sit on, and soak it all in.

The counter has a very nicely done tile art application that catches your eye when you walk in. Sprinkled throughout are vases and sculptures, most from local artists. There is even a supply of finger puppets in case you were looking for a curio you might not find anywhere else. She is able to keep a constant supply of local artists pieces as well as the nationally recognized names.

The day I stopped in and chatted, she was getting ready for a surfboard shoot for a surfer magazine. She had several on display and is in the process of soliciting more. What could be cooler than your own custom ride complete with art to hang in your office,

She has been able to attract artists, clients and wannabe’s over the past year and a half, and just finished holding a very successful showing in which 50 + pieces were sold. That’s not easy to do when you are competing against sun, sand and surf in a beach community.

The galleries big windows may have something to do with it. I quite frequently drive by to check out the latest and am never disappointed.

Gia manages to find the art that makes people stop and look into the window, like a kid staring at a puppydog in the pet store. In fact while we were chatting, a young lady came walking into the gallery and asked about a painting on display in the window. She then said “I look at it every time I drive by.”

I also like the fact that you don’t feel you are in a hurry when you walk in. Some places have that feel to them, like you’d better get on with your business and get out. Not here. In fact, there is a little couch you can sit on, and soak it all in.

The counter has a very nicely done tile art application that catches your eye when you walk in. Sprinkled throughout are vases and sculptures, most from local artists. There is even a supply of finger puppets in case you were looking for a curio you might not find anywhere else. She is able to keep a constant supply of local artists pieces as well as the nationally recognized names.

The day I stopped in and chatted, she was getting ready for a surfboard shoot for a surfer magazine. She had several on display and is in the process of soliciting more. What could be cooler than your own custom ride complete with art to hang in your office,

I also like the fact that you don’t feel you are in a hurry when you walk in. Some places have that feel to them, like you’d better get on with your business and get out. Not here. In fact, there is a little couch you can sit on, and soak it all in.

The counter has a very nicely done tile art application that catches your eye when you walk in. Sprinkled throughout are vases and sculptures, most from local artists. There is even a supply of finger puppets in case you were looking for a curio you might not find anywhere else. She is able to keep a constant supply of local artists pieces as well as the nationally recognized names.

The day I stopped in and chatted, she was getting ready for a surfboard shoot for a surfer magazine. She had several on display and is in the process of soliciting more. What could be cooler than your own custom ride complete with art to hang in your office,

The day I stopped in and chatted, she was getting ready for a surfboard shoot for a surfer magazine. She had several on display and is in the process of soliciting more. What could be cooler than your own custom ride complete with art to hang in your office, or game room? Or even the company greeting area.

If you are in Oceanside, stop by. You will be delighted and refreshed with the selection available.

Cleveland Street Gallery is located 2 blocks west of Hwy 101 at the intersection of Cleveland and Wisconsin, 222 Wisconsin Ave, Oceanside, Ca.