Miwok Gallery
- 337 Mirada Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
- (415) 999-9501
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1 X St, Eureka, CA 95501, USA
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Silk and Stone
- 714 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
- (415) 730-1432
Art Oasis
- 604 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
- (650) 257-0707
Nelly Genisson
Highly recommended for anyone who loves wood crafts, as well as printing and letter painting. Eric is incredibly passionate and shares a wonderful, living demonstration of traditional techniques and tools. A fascinating experience from start to finish!
Tim Ladewig
First and foremost I would like to thank my wife Michelle for setting up the best vacation/ birthday present and experience I have ever had in my life. When I was in 8th grade I was “forced” to give an oral presentation on a subject of my choosing. I was horrified due to my developmental issues with comprehending anything I read. For some reason I was drawn to a book about Redwoods. For the first time in my life, I felt like I actually understood what I was reading. When my wife told me where we were going, I lit up like a Christmas Tree.
About 10 minutes into Season 1 episode 1 of “The Craftsman” I was captivated by Eric Hollenbeck, not just for his craftsmanship, but for his spirit. His stories about Eureka, CA and his life have touched my soul in ways that only a few people have ever done. I have watched the episode several times where he tells the story of the salesman (possibly an Angel) who gave him a ride home after the war and I get a “little” choked up every time. My wife set up a tour and a Black Smith Class on June 23rd with Eric’s wife Viviana, who was truly an angel helping her set up this experience for me. The Black Smith teacher Patrick, was one of the coolest people I have ever met and was patient and very informative, going above and beyond explaining the how and why’s of Black Smithing. My hope going into this was just to meet Eric. Within the first 3 minutes of going in the office of the Blue Ox, the dream was achieved. I met him and took a picture with him, had a few words and went on to my Black Smith Class. When I was done, me and my wife walked around the property, admiring all the things that the Hollenbeck’s had collected and went back to the office to tour the main shop. That is when the completely unexpected happened. Eric was in the office alone and preceded to come out and ask me how my experience was and then walked me and my wife around the shop and talked to us for a while. I had to use the bathroom and when I cam out, Eric was showing my wife how to use a lathe. I’m not sure what brought more joy to my heart, meeting the man or watching him show my wife how to use a lathe. Eric, you are kind and an overall great human being, and you are everything that I felt about you on television. The hours that you spent with my wife and me will forever be cherished and I hope that one day we can visit you again in the near future.
Thank you for helping knock 1 off the bucket list.
Tim Ladewig
Michelle L
My husband and I have watched every episode of The Craftsman. My husband is not one to really get absorbed into a show. EXCEPT this one. Eric and his knowledge, humility, sense of humor, and calmness has an effect on his soul.
So for his 50th birthday, I planned a trip to Eureka Ca. all the way from Nashville, Tn. I wanted him to have the opportunity to see the town that Eric has put so much heart into. I signed him up for a Blacksmith class at Blue Ox and a self guided tour.
I hoped and prayed that he would have a glimpse and maybe get to shake Erics hand. little did I know…….
We arrived at The Blue Ox and to my shock. Viviana was coming out to lead some guests on a tour… I Absolutely Love when I get to see her on the show!! I was a little star struck. she just smiled like she knew us already and flung her thumb over her shoulder and said “Go on in, Eric is at the desk.” My heart started racing… “Is my husband going to get to meet this person that he so admires?”
More that that. We spent about 3 hours in total hanging out with Eric!! He is just as genuine in person a he is on TV!! His intelligence, kindness, and sense of humor are FOR REAL GUYS! He truly cares about his community and the people in it. The wisdom and life experience just flows from him.
I have no idea how this man knew I was afraid to use a lathe.. but he grabbed me and told me I was going to learn it. And I DID!! He gave me the confidence to try it here at home.
This man, may never know what an impact those three hours spent with him has had on this couple. We will forever be grateful to this humble man.
The Blacksmith class my husband took was AMAZING!!
Patrick, the teacher for the blacksmithing is SO SMART!! he is so evenly spoken and such a natural teacher. My husband was so happy with the hook he made and was able to bring home. He now wants to build a forge in our back yard. I am all for it!!
The day we spent at Blue Ox was the most magical day. If you have the opportunity, GO!! GO!! GO!!!
Jeff Timmons
Simply the best place to visit in Humboldt if you want to learn honest factual unadulterated history of the logging industry throughout the region..
Kevin Tarona
I always had an appreciation of Victorian restoration and reproduction work, but little did I know that most of it stemmed from Eric’s handywork. Blue Ox is hands down a must-visit for those who love history and wood arts.
Eric and Vivianna were some of the warmest hosts during our self-guided tour. Their workshop was beautiful.. the sheer amount of historical value and the multitude of tools in Eric’s collection was incredible. The workshop sections, from the lave room to fiber arts, ceramics, blacksmithing, their printing press area-it’s just a craftspersons dream.
Honestly the best part of the trip was talking to them. I helped them out with some of their tech while my girlfriend babysat their grandchild (she readily volunteered as he was too cute) and it was the perfect opportunity to get to know them as the kind and accomplished folks that they are. We also got to know their dog Coop as the drooly, cuddly troublemaker he is too!
I’m honestly jealous I didn’t live in the county growing up because I would have loved to have attended their school. Hope I can visit them again soon.