August 24, 2005

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Publication Date: Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Cover story: What's happening at Allied Arts?

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Lifestyles Editor

They say the first year is the hardest. Libby Russo certainly hopes so.

"This is a transition year for us. We're doing well, but we could do better," says Ms. Russo, president of the Woodside-Atherton Auxiliary to Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, which owns and operates Allied Arts Guild.

The guild reopened last October after a two-year renovation. Buildings and grounds have never looked better, but getting back in business, after closing the restaurant for two years and losing several of its tenants, has not been easy.

Today things are looking up. The retail space is nearly filled, the restaurant has a new chef and menu, and weddings and conferences are being scheduled in the Sunset Room, which occupies the former Traditional Shop space.

Is Allied Arts going to make it? "Absolutely," says Ms. Russo. "The important thing is to get the word out that we're open for business."

Ms. Russo realizes the importance of retail shops, but says of Allied Arts: "This is not a mall. This is a place where people come not only to shop, but to enjoy the ambience. Where else do you have three-and-a-half acres of lush gardens and historical buildings?"

An added touch of ambience is a new morning coffee cart providing coffee and snacks in the garden.

All the rental space is now occupied, except for the former Wick Candle Shop site, which has just been renovated. Rents in the complex's three major buildings have been raised to be competitive.

"We are definitely not giving them away. We are making money," says Ms. Russo, who did not divulge dollar amounts.

The auxiliary has no debt, she says. "As a nonprofit, we're not allowed to go into debt."

Allied Arts Guild was built in 1929 by Garfield and Delight Merner as a site for a crafts guild similar to those found in Europe. Continuing its tradition of showcasing arts and crafts, the guild now includes several art galleries and artists. Jewelry, handcrafted furniture, paintings, photography and pottery are all for sale.

The newest shop is Red Thread, which features custom carpets and jewelry. Its owner is Leslie Shackelford, who grew up in Atherton, and is the daughter of Dorothy Cartan. This is the first retail venture for Ms. Shackelford, who owns and produces the rugs in a factory in Katmandu.

Beautiful bed linens, table decor, custom invitations and gifts fill another new shop, Annena & Co., formerly known as Tie the Knot. It is located across from the restaurant in space formerly occupied by the Kitchen Shop.

The Traditional Shop is now located at the back of the de Lemos Building in former office and storage space. It is about half the size of the original shop. It is now filled with appealing items that are a big improvement over the skimpy offerings it had right after opening.

Two Woodside-Atherton Auxiliary members and volunteers, Jeanne Lynch and Gerry Shaw, are buying for the shop.

"We are trying to target our audience and cover all age groups," says Ms. Lynch. They give credit to Louise Rockhold for her attractive displays. "We try to buy with display in mind," says Ms. Lynch.

Inexpensive gifts are popular with shoppers who stop by after lunch. "Our colorful enamel pill boxes are very hot right now," says Ms. Lynch. They come in sheer organza bags and sell for around $18.

A beloved tradition returns the first week in November when the Christmas tree goes up. The Traditional Shop has always been known for its selection of unusual Christmas ornaments, which will be for sale in baskets surrounding the tree.

All the shops at the guild are planning to decorate for the holiday.

"People know us for Christmas. We want to bring them in all year-round," says Ms. Lynch.
Event planner

Mary Gallagher, the Guild's director of events, has done similar work for Stanford University and high-tech corporate clients.

She has booked a dozen weddings this year and has 10 more lined up.

The guild is allowed one event every weekend. Forty-three evening events are allowed annually. The grounds must be vacated by 10 p.m. on Friday or Saturday and at 8 p.m. on weekdays. There is a 200 guest limit.

Cost for renting the entire property for the eight-hour limit is $6,500 -- $3,000 of which is tax-deductible.

"We've had weddings in the Blue Garden, the Sunset Room or patio, and the Garden of the Oak," says Ms. Gallagher.

Renters must choose from an approved list of caterers, including the Palo Alto Auxiliary to the Children's Hospital, which operates the restaurant.

The Sunset Room rents for $1,000 for an all-day meeting. Renters may either lunch in the restaurant or bring in a catered lunch.

Elaine Scotten, director of Friends of Allied Arts, is looking into potential uses for the Sunset Room, including trunk shows, painting classes and floral design classes, says Ms. Gallagher.

Allied Arts Guild has been a historic landmark in Menlo Park for 75 years, but Ms. Gallagher calls it "a hidden jewel."

"People still don't know us. I've had people call on the phone and ask if Allied Arts sells art supplies."

The guild has high hopes for the coming holiday season, traditionally the busiest time for retail shops and for festive parties.

"There are three weekends, besides the actual holiday, in December and we already have the Sunset Room booked for two weekends. We are accepting reservations for mid-week events," says Ms. Gallagher.
INFORMATION

Allied Arts Guild , 75 Arbor Road at Cambridge Avenue, Menlo Park.
Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Event reservations: 322-2405
Lunch reservations: 324-2588.

Retail shops at Allied Arts

Retail space at Allied Arts Guild is now filled, except for the former Wick Candle Shop site, which has just been renovated. Here is a list of shops and offices.

The Traditional Shop , gifts and accesssories for the home

Carlisle Enterprise , Between Waters art gallery, interior and landscape design services, retail shop, Images of Light photography

Red Thread , jewelry and rugs imported from Katmandu

Alla Viksne , gallery and studio

Max Nugus , haute couture

Anina & Co. , table decor, bed linens, custom invitations

Special Handling , pottery

Flora , floral designers

Anthony Montanino , artist

The Barn Woodshop , handcrafted furniture

Renaissance Alley , jewelry and art

Susan's Soaps , custom-made soap

Allied Arts restaurant The upstairs of the Archway Building is occupied by two architect's offices, a business office, and the Guild's events office. A bride's room is located on the lower level of the building.

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