Treasure trove: Legends is filled with crafts from 300 artists Treasure trove: Legends is filled with crafts from 300 artists (March 23, 2005)

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Lifestyles Editor

You won't find tie-dyed T-shirts or macrame plant holders at Menlo Park's new fine craft shop, Legends.

Instead, you will find the work of such artists as Brian Andreas, whose colorful wooden sculptures of "Story People" hang in the shop above a selection of his drawings, books and cards.

"I discovered him in 1992," says Legends owner Diane Michlig. "I found him working in his garage in Berkeley, when he was just beginning his creative process."

Mr. Andreas is now recognized nationally for his work.

Discovering artists by going to art shows and traveling, even to Paris and Italy, has been Ms. Michlig's mission since she opened her first Legends in Sonoma 14 years ago.

She recently moved her shop to Menlo Park to be closer to her two children, Nicholas and Allie, who both live in the area.

"Our niche is a little bit special," says Ms. Michlig. "We carry things you can't find anywhere else."

For example, memory tiles by Sid Dickens catch your eye. The handmade tiles feature "relics of the past" in the form of a bird, flower, a musical note, even a section of a Parisian manhole cover. The tiles are often grouped together on a wall or may be displayed alone.

Ms. Michlig was trained to be an interior designer and it shows in her shop's attractive interior. The airy space is accented with pale green walls and a ceiling hung with a web of white-painted manzanita branches.

The outside is just as appealing, with paned windows and flower boxes filled with spring blooms.

"The ceiling, the sign and the dogs are our signature," says Ms. Michlig.

The ceiling is a replica of the one in the Sonoma store that was created to hide ugly pipes. "I've had 14 years to forget how hard it was to put up," she says with a laugh.

The sign, which hangs on the front door and reads "Open, cozy, and a dangerous place to shop," was given to her by a longtime customer.

The "dogs" refer to whimsical metal sculptures of dogs sitting outside the shop, one holding a newspaper, another a martini glass.

"Dogs" also refers to her golden retriever, Zucha, who spends every day at the store.

"We have people who come to the store just to see Zucha," says Allie Michlig, who has "grown up in the store."

Crafts are artistically displayed throughout the store. In one case are hand-blown glass globes by Josh Simpson. Necklaces of faceted semiprecious stones set in sterling silver by Dana Kellin and fashion jewelry by Thoi fill another case. Nearby is a wood jewelry box filled with unusual earrings.

Handsome lamps, elegant martini glasses, a cake server with a glass handle embossed with lilies of the valley, and wearable art (scarves, vests, jackets) by Fern Wayne are all included in the store's eclectic mix.

Diane Michlig has only good things to say about her new downtown neighbors. "When we moved in, the other store owners were so helpful and friendly that I baked them chocolate chip cookies as a thank you," she says.

Benefit event at Legends store

As part of her community outreach, Legends owner Diane Michlig is holding a benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at the store on Saturday, April 9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Mother and daughter, Diane and Allie, have each signed up for a half marathon and are seeking sponsors to raise $4,500 for the society. Allie signed up with the run team; Diane will walk.

Both say their lives have been touched by people who have been diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma.

The marathon takes place May 1 at the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County.

To find out more about the benefit or Legends, call 322-2284. The store is located at 816 Santa Cruz Ave. in Menlo Park and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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