Gallery, Art Buildings For Sale on San Pablo Avenue

The Village Shops and Galleries, along with MC Art Works, are now on the market.

Mark Canepa, the El Cerrito native who owns both stores, said he has put the buildings up for sale because at the moment he is not getting enough customers to keep his business profitable.

The listing price for the two buildings, which total 9,686 square feet on San Pablo Avenue, is $1.49 million.

Canepa started the galleries more than three years ago in the old El Cerrito Lighting building.

The businesses display art work for sale by a number of artists, including Canepa. The gallery also hosts readings and showings as well as a variety of classes.

Canepa said there has been some interest in the buildings from a sporting goods operators, among others.

Although the properties are for sale, Canepa hopes he can work something out where he can keep one or both businesses open. Among the options are leasing the facility from a new owner.

Meanwhile, Canepa has been publicizing all the gallery events in hopes of increasing foot traffic.

"If we get people to come in, maybe we don't have to sell the buildings," he said.