Southern California is one of America’s foremost hubs for culture and art, and that is reflected in its abundance of art galleries. Showcasing classic works by legendary artists to the creations of up-and-coming locals, these art galleries provide must-have pieces for any art collector, whether you’re just starting your collection or are looking to grow it even more.

Ruth Mayer Fine Art Gallery

The work of artist Ruth Mayer is wide-ranging in scope, covering everything from portraits and cityscapes to surrealism and abstract pieces. The recent recipient of the International Leonardo da Vinci Artist Award, Mayer operates two art galleries in Southern California: one on Catalina Island and one in Laguna Beach. The latter earned the Best Gallery Award in 2014 from the City of Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and features new works including “Romance on the Pier” and “Path to Glory.”

Africa and Beyond Art Gallery

La Jolla’s Africa and Beyond Art Gallery provides visitors with a vast collection of unique African artwork spanning a variety of mediums. Africa and Beyond’s wares include traditional weapons and shields, some of which were used as props in the blockbuster hit “Black Panther.” Other unique items include authentic fertility dolls, furniture such as stools and beds and musical instruments like drums and flutes. Serious collectors will want to consider more unique offerings like a dance wand used by the Shango people of Nigeria and a racing mask worn by the Dan people of the Ivory Coast.

Martin Lawrence Galleries

Found in the South Coast Plaza, Martin Lawrence Galleries in Costa Mesa is one of Orange County’s premier places to purchase high-quality works of art. If you are a fine-art connoisseur, the names that populate the Costa Mesa gallery is a veritable who’s-who of the world’s most respected artists, including the works of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol.

Silica Studios

Palm Springs’ Silica Studios focuses on the art of ceramics, offering collectors the opportunity to peruse the works of local artists and allowing creatives the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the artform. Membership at Silica Studios costs $150 per month and includes access to the studio, storage space for tools and clay and access to studio sales. Works available for purchase range from bowls and vases to unique sculptures that make great conversation pieces in your growing collection.

Vallejo Gallery

If you are fascinated by all things maritime and marine-based, the Vallejo Gallery is a must-visit. Not only does Vallejo Gallery feature unique artifacts and ephemera ranging from weapons and sea chests to maps and manifests, but it also hosts a wide array of paintings and ship models, too. There you’ll find tranquil pieces like Warren Sheppard’s “Reflective Sunrise,” which depicts a warm sunrise over a rushing tide, and epic works of action like Robert Salmon’s “Whitehaven Quay.”

Whether you are collecting for yourself or looking for a memorable gift to give a loved one this holiday season, these art galleries offer unique and exciting pieces that will speak to you without saying a word.

This article is presented by New Century BMW Motorcycles in Alhambra, California.