Don't Miss the Local Puzzle Exhibit at the Albany Library

Did you know the East Bay is a hidden hub for puzzle makers? Right in our backyard, we have two fantastic cardboard puzzle companies in Oakland, a renowned national wooden puzzle brand owned by Berkeley locals, and some incredibly talented wooden puzzle cutters!

In fact, you can see this vibrant scene up close all September long at the Albany Library. Berkeley resident Seth Isaacs has been cutting puzzles off and on since 2000, during which time he also raised two kids. He works as a stagehand in Local 16, has built sets for theater and movies (credits include The Matrix 2 and 3, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Transformers), has been with the San Francisco Opera for over 20 years, and before that, toured the world with a punk rock band named All You Can Eat! Last year, Seth reached out to share a few of his creations, and they were absolutely delightful! We borrowed them for a few months, and some of our lucky guests got to try them out at events.

Seth has curated this special display at the library, where you can trace the fascinating history of puzzles. The timeline starts with London cartographer John Spilsbury (who invented the jigsaw puzzle by cutting world maps along borders) and runs all the way through the puzzle renaissance of the COVID pandemic.

The exhibit features a stunning selection of Seth’s own work under his Weesap brand. You’ll also spot beautiful pieces from Puzzlapy, a creator who recently moved back to France after residing and crafting right here in Richmond (we miss her!). There are several other mystery cutters featured in the display, too—but you’ll have to visit the exhibit (or check out the pictures below) to find out who!

Speaking of our amazing local puzzle community, here are a few other East Bay makers you should know:

• Elms Handcut Puzzles: Staying with wood, Berkeley is home to Chris Danner, the proud owner of this storied puzzle brand. He works with cutters across the country to curate Elms Puzzles’ collection of gorgeous puzzles, which are available for rent or purchase.
• Unified Pieces & Oakland Puzzle Company: Shifting to cardboard, these two Oakland-based companies have been incredibly supportive of Assemble Puzzlery's ventures and have been great partners in establishing regular in-person puzzle events in the East Bay.
• Puzzle Swap Society: While Kate Eby doesn’t make puzzles, she will make sure you have fresh ones on hand whenever you need them. Kate started out organizing puzzle swaps in Oakland, expanded to Alameda, and is now not only all over the Bay Area but across the country! We just love how she creates a space where “everyone fits!”

So, are you team cardboard or team wood? Personally, I think they’re both spectacular!

Check out some pictures of Seth’s display, or better yet, go see it in person before the end of the month. The Albany Library is located at 1247 Marin Ave in Albany. Also, get to know the Friends of the Albany Library, who host periodic book sales that often include puzzles! We picked some up a few weeks ago and were delighted to find them labeled "complete," as confirmed by volunteers who tested each one!