The Gallery
Without a formal painting education, after raising three boys, and a career in graphic design, Kelly wanted a more creative outlet.
She pulls inspiration from the Beach and the gorgeous sunsets in San Diego. Her approach is unique and took years to develop, using thick oil paint with a lot of texture.
“I think about the beautiful world that God is created for us to enjoy and strive to relay that in my paintings hopefully evoking a warm peaceful feeling.” - Kelly Villasenor
We actually were drawn to Kelly’s art at a Coronado festival, spotted across the sea of people, we fought the crowd and made our way over to admire. It’s truly stunning and emotion provoking.
Kelly’s story resonates deeply with us, Benjals exists to honor slow living and creative outlets in order to improve our quality of life, and then sometimes - you discover a new purpose and passion along the way. All paintings linked should you feel called to one.
Gracia Navarro is a San Diego-based artist whose work blends impressionistic realism with emotional storytelling, often inspired by coastlines, light, stillness, and the natural world around her.
We found Gracia’s work at the Coronado Art & Wine festival, & it immediately felt like Silver Strand. Warm sunsets, quiet reflection, marine layers, softness, nostalgia; the exact feeling this collection was built around.
The painting she created for Silver Strand became the emotional center of the collection. A reminder to slow down long enough to actually feel your life. To sit by the water a little longer. To notice the light. To romanticize the ordinary.
As a self-taught artist, Gracia creates work that feels deeply human and calming, balancing color, texture, and emotion in a way that pulls you in quietly rather than demanding attention. Her pieces have been featured throughout San Diego and collected internationally across the United States and the Philippines.
Collaborating with Gracia felt deeply aligned with the world we’re building at Benjals — thoughtful, emotional, artful living rooted in beauty, atmosphere, and presence.
ArtWheelSD is a ceramic studio in Imperial Beach, California, founded by Jeff Kirkeeng. ( https://artwheelshop.com/ )
For over 14 years, Jeff has been working and teaching; first from his home studio, and now from a space on the Imperial Beach pier. The studio reflects his background in Comparative Literature and East Asian Studies, shaped by time spent studying throughout China and East Asia. It’s felt more than stated, in the pacing, the restraint, the way the space is meant to be experienced.
His work centers around wheel throwing, with an emphasis on process over outcome. Classes are grounded and unhurried, focused on returning to the hands and the rhythm of making.
Jeff is also trained in fascial movement, work that, similar to yoga, helps release body tension and restore fluid movement. That awareness carries into the way he teaches: attentive, intuitive, and rooted in how the body moves through the process.
Alongside ceramics, the studio offers a small selection of loose leaf teas sourced from Asia, along with books on art and literature.
Minga is a word in the Andes.
It describes something simple, but increasingly rare: people coming together to build something that matters. Not individually, but collectively.
That idea is what drew us to Minga.
Founded by Emily Rathmanner between San Diego and Ecuador, Minga began by living alongside a small group of women artisans in the Andean highlands. Not sourcing from them; learning with them. Understanding the materials, the pace, the intention behind the craft. That relationship still defines everything they create.
Their pieces are made by hand using raw, natural materials - cabuya, paja toquilla, vegetable-tanned leather, natural dyes. Fibers that come from the land and return to it.
We chose Minga because they don’t separate product from people. Or process from outcome. Their work reflects a different way of building; one that values conversation, community, and continuity over speed.
We chose Annsley’s pieces because they feel like something you keep for a long time. All made by hand, with intention, and without excess.
We’re drawn to simplicity, nothing forced. Just thoughtful pieces that feel good to live with.
Created by oncology nurse Tori Petersen, Luxe Lund began as a creative outlet, something that brought relief, balance, and a moment to slow down
What started as beading has grown into a jewelry line rooted in intention, where each piece is designed to feel effortless and easy to wear, every day
Made with gold, pearls, and tarnish-free materials, these are pieces meant to last as long as the memories they hold
Built with the support of her community, Luxe Lund is a reflection of creativity, care, and the kind of work that happens slowly and with purpose
Annsley’s luxury line, more refined with the same intention. Each piece designed and made by hand, with a focus both on form and function.
These feel timeless, not trendy. Just really well-made bags you reach for every day.
If you make something thoughtfully, we’d love to see it. We’re drawn to pieces that feel intentional, lived-in, and made with care. This space is for artists, makers, and brands we believe in.