The Folk Tree

Rochalinne “Rocky” Behr’s Pasadena store, the Folk Tree, is packed to the rafters with folk art from Mexico and Latin America. Rising rent and slower sales are forcing her to look for a new location. (Karen Tapia-Andersen / Los Angeles Times)

Sept. 15, 2014 12:39 PM PT

The Folk Tree in Pasadena is owned by Rochalinne “Rocky” Behr. Her store is packed to the rafters with art from Mexico and Latin America. Rising rent and slower sales are forcing Behr to look for a new location, she has already poured 20 years and thousands of dollars in personal savings. The 78-year-old still runs her buying tours to artisan houses and studios in rural Mexico and says she has no formal plans to turn over the store any time soon.

Employee Jennifer Sandoval at work in the Folk Tree. Owner Rocky Behr says sales dropped to $300,000 last year, down 40% from 2006. (Karen Tapia-Andersen / Los Angeles Times)

Colorfully painted masks line a wall of the store. (Karen Tapia-Andersen / Los Angeles Times)

Day of the Dead figurines fill a glass case at the Folk Tree. Last month, owner Rocky Behr was notified that her rent would increase 25% a year for the next four years, so she’s decided to move. (Karen Tapia-Andersen / Los Angeles Times)

A colorful piece for sale at the store. Behr, 78, says traveling and buying the art are what keep her going. (Karen Tapia-Andersen / Los Angeles Times)

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The Folk Tree

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