Emeryville's Stroll, a chance to buy unusual gifts

Sunset, Dec, 1987

Emeryville's Stroll, a chance to buy unusual gifts

You wouldn't walk around this part of town for the scenery. But during the Emeryville Holiday Stroll you can shop your socks off here, just north of the Bay Bridge, in the warehouses and studios-- normally closed to the public--of wholesalers, importers, and artists. The free event takes place from 11 to 5 on November 28 and 29, and December 5, 6, 12, and 13. You can meet owners and artists, and buy at sometimes nearly wholesale prices, with items from a few dollars up.

The stroll takes in mainly Doyle, Landregan, and Powell streets. Some of the participants: Kimono My House (1424 62nd Street) offers silk kimonos, porcelain dolls, and vintage toys; Pamela Drake Imports (5515 Doyle Street, # 15) has a colorful array of South American crafts and gifts; and the Cohn-Stone Studios (5755 Landregan Street) sells unique art glass--such as the intricate Space Cup series ($38 to $4,500 each)--and handsome vases, cylinders, and bowls.

Studios and small wholesalers are flourishing in this area. (Only last year, the first stroll involved 15 participants; this year's is expected to draw about 30.) They've taken over renovated buildings that used to house a soap factory, an auto parts plant, a cable-making facility, and other light industry that moved on. The buildings provide workspace for artists and small businesses--and refuge from high rents elsewhere.

A good place to start and to pick up your "stroll' map is Kathleen's Doyle Street Cafe (5515 Doyle). Its breakfasts and brunches run to huevos rancheros, red-hot sour cream pancakes, chorizos, and more.

To reach the district from Interstate 880, take the Powell Street exit east, then turn onto either Landregan, Hollis, or Doyle and look for street banners and individual door markers.

Photo: Bright, bewhiskered wood leopard mask and bead-crowned dance mask (each $175) are among South American crafts at Pamela Drake Imports

Photo: In Emeryville's warehouse district (above), shoppers stroll past 59th Street Annex, former factory now housing galleries, studios; they chose maple chair at one stop. Below, vintage tin windup toys from Japan populate Kimono My House