A Guide to the Best of Southern California : GALLERIES : Kachina Dollhouse

THOUGH 1-YEAR-OLD Sacred Visions Gallery carries an impressive selection of pre-1940 art (jewelry, textiles and baskets), prehistoric pottery (circa AD 700 to 1200) and a contemporary art collection dominated by paintings, sculptures and rugs, its most valuable treasures are the contemporary Hopi Kachina dolls. According to partner Jay Rapp, the gallery stocks between 30 and 50 one-of-a-kind dolls at any given time. Prices vary according to doll size and the reputation of the artist ($300 to $3,500). “Dolls in the $300-to-$500 range are a good place for a potential collector to start,” Rapp says, “particularly since many Indian-art collectors now focus strictly on contemporary art. It’s more available, and today’s consumer seems to find it very appealing.”

Sacred Visions Gallery, 101 S. California St., Ventura; (805) 653-ARTS.