"Americas Favorite Mobile Gallery and Studio"
Hotchkiss Mobiles Gallery offers a range of hanging mobiles by artist Joel Hotchkiss appropriate for large and small spaces as well as for indoors or out. Open Daily with Open Studio to the Public.
Keywords: hanging mobiles, kinetic mobiles, hotchkiss mobiles, contemporary mobiles, kinetic mobiles, metal mobiles, indoor mobiles, hanging mobiles, Tri-Lumen, metal and fabric mobiles, Joel Hotchkiss, kinetic art, art mobiles, corporate mobiles, commissioned mobiles, whimiscal mobiles, blown glass, ceramics, crafts, clothing,
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Hotchkiss Mobiles was founded by Joel Hotchkiss in Oakland, CA in 1981.
He met his wife, Sandra who joined in running the business in Oakland in 1983
During this 30 year period Joel has designed a wide range of mobile designs sold in Galleries and Museum Stores nationwide including San Francisco MOMA and the Guggenheim Museum. The Mobile Studio, now located in West Stockbridge, MA also creates larger Mobiles for Residential and Commercial spaces.
What is your primary product or service?
Creating functional, contemporary mobile designs for over 30 years has been a passionate and challenging journey. I still love this soothing sculptural art form that produces "poetry in air". Each year I introduce new ideas to my work... mobiles in which I push my creative impulses to pursue innovative approaches resulting in new styles, balancing techniques, composition and uses of materials.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I studied design and film at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY graduating in 1972. While working and living in Boston as an Art Director, I began making and filling my apartment with mobiles. I relocated to Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1978 to “make-real” a newfound dream of becoming a Mobile Artist.
The early years of the 1980's in the Bay Area were very "heady" and exciting. I drove daily from Oakland to a Studio called Kinetic Objects in San Rafael where I studied and learned the art of Mobile Making. It’s there I taught myself to weld and work with various metals, plastics and fabric applications. I would often return down across the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco and deliver mobiles to a Gallery in Ghirardelli Square before returning home to Oakland.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We are on of the few Mobile Galleries and Mobile Making Studios in the United States
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have 1 location in West Stockbridge, MA
Provide detailed directions to your location
Exit 1 on the Mass Turnpike. Next to NO. Depot Coffe Roasters and the West Stockbridge Post Office downtown.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept MC and Visa Credit cards as well as Cash.
Which areas do you service?
Nationwide thru our website and the entire North Eastern US with our Gallery
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Joel and Sandra Hotchkiss
What are your hours of operation?
Daily 10AM - 5PM. Sunday 11-4
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
These are the most enjoyable and visually interesting mobiles!
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
We did it "our way"!
Contact Hotchkiss Mobiles:
