Oceanic Arts
Whittier, California, United States
Oceanic Arts was a major contributor to tiki culture since its opening on June 25th, 1956, when it was opened by LeRoy Schmaltz and Bob Van Oosting.
Bob and LeRoy have provided carvings, decorations, signage, light fixtures, and all the outfitting needed for a tiki location to nearly all of the major spots, including Disney. Oceanic Arts served as a Home Depot of sorts for the tikiphile.
The store was closed for good on November 24th, 2021.
Bob and LeRoy went out on a triumphant note by announcing the publication of a book chronicling their much beloved business on the same day. This book, authored by Jordan Reichek and published by Peekaboo Gallery, was issued in a regular or slipcover edition. This was accompanied by 2 rounds of auctions and accompanying auction books. Together, these books give a very thorough overview of the work produced by Oceanic Arts.
Details
- Type
- Store
- Phone
- +1 562-698-6960
- Address
- Whittier, California, United States
- Closed?
- Yes (Permanently)
- Links
Gallery
8 Tiki Mugs
9 Swizzle Sticks
18 Visits
VanDanmark – 19 Oct 2019
How could I have known it would be my only chance to walk the halls of Xanadu…. Why didn’t I fill the car with carvings…
The Tiki Barber – 30 June 2023
Sadden to know that it's closed forever now but I'm happy to say I got to meet Bob and see Oceanic Arts before shut down for good. I purchased a handful of small knick knacky things one of which is a bag of coconuts that hangs in my Tiki barber shop. Definitely a bucket list item for me being somebody who loves history, Tiki, and meeting the people behind it
Trader Tom – 9 Apr 2022
Kelly Reilly (Hiphipahula) and I gave a presentation here during one of the OA celebration nights in advance of its closing. I came back afterwards for one of the other nights to bartend outside with Carey Ysais, representing Kahuna Tiki TU. Before this, I had probably been to Oceanic Arts dozens if not hundreds of times just to shop (mostly window shopping). It was always a favorite activity to hit Oceanic Arts and King Richard's Antique Center before having lunch and possibly hitting Bahooka's on the way back home.
VanDanmark – 19 Oct 2019
My first and only visit to OA - wish I'd purchased that shield!
Hamo – 9 Aug 2017
My one and only visit to OA happened to coincide with Swanky's Mai-Kai book signing. I also met Sven for the first time in one of the tiki huts, where he explained the evolution of the eyes on cannibal tiki carvings. I talked to Bob but never saw LeRoy. Stupidly, I didn't buy any tikis or shields or anything worthwhile because I only had one piece of luggage for the trip.
Napsto – 25 Feb 2019
Was in the area and walked through. Things were very expensive!
Kelly Hiphipahula Reilly – Date: Unknown
Dave and Sue Wright – Date: Unknown
Heidi-Hi – Date: Unknown
Chuckbob – Date: Unknown
TikiTrevor – Date: Unknown
Tiki Chef – Date: Unknown
swizzle – Date: Unknown
TikiCarl – Date: Unknown
Izzy – Date: Unknown
Cap’n Jimmy – Date: Unknown
TikiDiego – Date: Unknown