The Full Story

Origins

In April 2012, Penelope's Den opened it's doors as an artisan gallery located at the intersection of Highways 35 and 84, known affectionately by locals as "four corners," in Woodside CA. The mission was to represent the rich diversity of artists living in the region.

Photo Credit Leah Lee Photography

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Early Blessings

One day during the early months after opening, the amazing and talented photographer Leah Lee came into the shop, and took a few pictures, some of which can be scrolled through here on the left.

An exhibit by local artist Ellen Lowenstein was on display at the time.

The iconic Highway 35 t-shirts - which we used to silkscreen by hand in the back room - can also be seen at the entrance.

There was also an article in the San Mateo Daily Journal by Sally Schilling, published in July 2012.

Press Coverage

Almost exactly two years later, in April of 2014, Lauren Nelson came to write a story about the gallery for the San Francisco Chronicle.

We had recently relocated from Skyline Boulevard to Menlo Park (more about that soon), which fell outside the geographic scope of the article. So instead of a story about the gallery, it ended up being an interview with me!

You can read her entire article and see lots more of her photos here.

Photos by Irene Searles

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SVOS Talk Art

In July 2014, I had the opportunity to appear on Talk Art, sponsored by Silicone Valley Open Studios, and produced by Nance Wheeler.

It was a privilege and a pleasure to have Sally Rayn interview me at the Midpeninsula Community Media Center in Palo Alto.

Lora Reehling Photography

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Allied Arts

At roughly the same time in April of 2014, Sheri Baer interviewed me for In Menlo at the new Menlo Park location.

The gallery was offered the opportunity to be at the Allied Arts Guild, (in the old sheep shed) and we jumped at the chance!

Her article is available here and photo credit for the images on the left go to Irene Searles.

Carpenter Street Studios

After a wonderful beginning in the Bay Area, external circumstances precipitated the relocation of Penelope's Den Co. to Philadelphia, where we are now located.

Another accompanying transformation was the shift from a retail brick and mortar to a design studio with two distinct brands that now sell mostly online and wholesale. Rebellious Trees is our fine handmade jewelry line, and ShopBioDiversity is our ecologically themed educational line.

Both lines are a part of the 1% for the Planet pledge, meaning we donate at least 1% of annual proceeds to conservation organizations.

Thank you!

Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoyed the journey!