Mare Island Artists Host Valentine's Day Sale

Skip the roses and shop local art and crafts this Valentine's Day

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Mare Island Art Studios in Vallejo, California are hosting a Valentine's Day sale on Saturday, February 14th from 11am to 4pm. The event will feature artwork and handmade gifts from local artists, including mosaics, ceramics, paintings, and more. Visitors can browse the studios, meet the artists, and take home unique items that will last longer than a bouquet of flowers.

Why it matters

This event provides an opportunity for the Vallejo community to support local artists and find one-of-a-kind Valentine's Day gifts. It also highlights the vibrant arts scene on Mare Island, which has become a hub for creative expression in the region.

The details

The Valentine's Day sale will take place at the Mare Island Art Studios, located at 110 Pintado St. in Vallejo. In addition to host artist Sherry Tobin, five other local artists will be opening their studios and selling their work, including ceramicists, painters, basket weavers, and textile artists. Tobin has created over 100 mosaic hearts that will be available for purchase. The event is not an official show, but rather a casual gathering for the artists and their community.

  • The Mare Island Art Studios Valentine's Day Sale will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 11am to 4pm.
  • The studios are normally closed during this time of year due to cold temperatures, but will be open specially for this event.

The players

Sherry Tobin

A Mare Island artist who specializes in sculpting with unorthodox materials and has created over 100 mosaic hearts for the Valentine's Day sale.

Rosalyn Parhams

A ceramicist influenced by African spirituality, ceremonial traditions, and gemstones.

Susan Noll

A painter whose works focus on humor and whimsy.

Jean Cherie

An artist who specializes in large-scale installations, including enlarging and duplicating fine art sculpture.

Orna Pascal

A basketweaver who also works with quilts, textile constructions, drawing, and painting.

Lony Neubauer

A ceramist who enjoys creating vibrant colored mugs and abstract designs for home decor.

Dorthy Herger

A 101-year-old longtime resident of Vallejo and ceramicist who spent decades teaching at Solano Community College.

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What they’re saying

“These days, a good quality bouquet of roses can cost around $60 to $100. Flowers wilt and die. I'd rather have something that lasts longer beyond Valentine's Day.”

— Sherry Tobin (timesheraldonline.com)

“Usually when we have a gallery show, pieces that people buy will usually stay in the exhibit for the rest of the month. This time, you can walk in, and you take it.”

— Sherry Tobin (timesheraldonline.com)

“They make great gifts for a family member or friend, or most importantly, for yourself.”

— Sherry Tobin (timesheraldonline.com)

“Making mosaics is my 'favorite escape' and how I keep myself mentally healthy, especially with 'everything going on in the world today.'”

— Sherry Tobin (timesheraldonline.com)

“It's just really nice when we have other Vallejans coming out to support us. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new people.”

— Sherry Tobin (timesheraldonline.com)

The takeaway

This Valentine's Day event showcases the vibrant arts community on Mare Island and provides an opportunity for the Vallejo community to discover unique, locally-made gifts that will last longer than a bouquet of roses. By supporting these artists directly, shoppers can find one-of-a-kind items while also contributing to the local creative economy.