About Bay-Made

Bay-Made is a retail gift shop in the Grand Lake District in Oakland, CA. Owned and operated by two Lake Merritt makers that live in the neighborhood, it was founded in 2017 with the help and blessings of their community. Seeking to connect the many talented artists and makers of the Bay Area to the people that wish to support them in their community, Bay-Made's goal is to act as a permanent local art and crafts fair curated with the best of the best.

Specializing in locally made craft goods and artwork, Bay-Made also offers a selection of art supplies and writing implements. In non COVID-19 times, we host workshops for kids and adults as well as private classes & parties. We hope you leave Bay-Made inspired to make something of your own.

About the founders:

Sarahjane Bernhisel (she/her), an illustrator, and Schuyler McAlister (he/him), a fabricator and engineer, saw the need of an accessible local art space in their neighborhood. Sarahjane managed the toy store in their shared building, was asked frequently by customers if there was anywhere they could get something gift-y that was actually made locally, and a shop idea was born. They happened to be in the right place at the right time, and are very grateful. 

Sundae the cat (Meownager) has lived at Bay-Made since February of 2022, is probably 5 or 6 years old, and is a deeply beloved member of the Lakeshore Ave community of cat-lovers and people under 3 feet tall. Sometimes sweet, sometimes spicy, she fits the classic calico archetype easily. She enjoys chasing toy mice, antagonizing dogs, ripping tissue, and snoozing in sunbeams. Sundae was found by friends under a deck in Petaluma, but was originally chipped with a rescue organization that brings dogs from Mexico to Southern California. We have no idea how she ended up in Sonoma. She has a crook at the end of her tail from possible inbreeding, but we love her anyway.