If you read a lot of "Best of Los Angeles" lists, you may already know that Storyopolis, once located on Robertson in Los Angeles and now located on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, is one of the greatest children's bookstores ever. What you may not know, is that the Gallery at Storyopolis is home to several fine art pieces as well... and not only fantastic original illustrations from children’s books by world-renowned artists.Above: an original John Marciano (illustrator of the original Madeline books)Above: an original Geral McDermottWhile a large selection of their artwork lifts the stories off the pages and onto the walls of children’s rooms or those of the nostalgic adult who never wants to grow up, they also have works by several of todays' hottest lowbrow artists and hippest illustrators. And several you can purchase online.Above: Ana Juan's Leo DiCaprio, available to buy hereAbove: Gary Baseman originals can be purchased online at their sitebuy them here.... as can sculptures by Jim Bauer, buy them here.Their editorial art includes such amazing portraits of rock icons by Sterling Hundley, fashion illustrations by Chesley McLaren and the surreal images of Joe Sorren. In addition, they have an extensive selection of lithographs and serigraphs bound to appeal to both the beginning and experienced art collector.Above: Sterling Hundley's painting for William Henry HarrisonAbove: fashion illustrations by Chesley McLarenAbove: Nicoletta Ceccoli's beautiful, ethereal illustrationsTheir artists work in various mediums including oils, watercolor, gouache, pastels, ink, etc. The collection includes many different dimensions and styles that will compliment a range of decors and personal preferences.above: Eric Joyner's The Usual Suspects is one of their many original lithographsDecorators, designers and style consultants find them a wonderful resource for their clients looking for traditional fine art or for those seeking out the hottest, most edgy pieces not found anywhere else.above: two of several original New Yorker cartoons in their galleryAnd they carry one of my longtime beloved items, vintage Odille Ousley book pages, featuring the work of the well-recognized illustrator for the Dick and Jane books:Buy them hereBetween their books and their art, there's something for everyone.They have a wonderful selection of well designed and compiled gift baskets of all types. Never again will your kids whine "books for christmas?...yuck".Above: the 'Things That Go' Basket, available in 3 sizesAbove: the Hanukkah basket available in various sizesThey even have baskets that feature award winning books like the Caldecott and Newbery shown below.Shop for their gift baskets here.Every Thursday at 12:30, they have their own storytime readers regale the children with fabulous tales and sometimes even a surprise guest.Above: Actress Hayden Panetierre gives a reading at StoryopolisThe gallery is open seven days a week 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday.Visit their website at www.Storyopolis.com to see and shop from their huge selection of fine art, original illustratons, lithographs, scultpures, gift baskets and more. Or take yourself and the kids there for an equally enjoyable experience for all.14945 Ventura BlvdSherman Oaks, CA 91403U.S.A.(818) 990-7600
