September 26, 2007

Collect Call

Fiveten Studio

When it comes to your home, you’re an exhibitionist. Currently on display: a compulsive collection of toenail clippings, Bazooka wrappers, and stacks of unread New Yorkers.

For something with real value, head over to Fiveten Studio, an avant-garde new gallery/furniture store in Old Oakland.

The sun-filled wonderland of high-concept pieces is a veritable adult playground. Owners/curators Alfonso Dominguez and Sean Matthews focus on cutting-edge artists from the Bay Area and beyond.

Of special note: elegant tables with hand-lacquered chess pieces for legs by Robert Austin Gonzalez. A massive ottoman made from recycled accordion paper, which looks delicate but is sturdy enough for serious lounging. Prop it against a wall and it doubles as a love seat. For those who tend toward the bizarre, Cameron Kelly’s intriguing hair and brush pieces will get guests gabbing.

Yeah, you’ll pay top dollar.

At least this stuff will appreciate more than your assortment of snow globes.

Fiveten Studio, 831 Broadway, between Eighth and Ninth Streets, Oakland (510-451-9900 or fivetenstudio.com).