Step into Artisans Hand Craft Gallery  in downtown Montpelier, and you are entering more than a shop. You are stepping into a legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Since 1978, this vibrant gallery is one of Vermont’s most enduring showcases for contemporary craft.

It began as a pop-up. In December of that year, a group of young artists took over a small Langdon Street storefront and filled it with their work. Among them were Mary Azarian, Paul Kelton, and Terry Allen. They wanted control over how their pieces were shown and sold. What started as an experiment quickly turned permanent. The gallery moved locations, grew in size, and eventually found its long-term home at 89 Main Street, inside City Center.

Artisans Hand board members (left to right): Jeweler Lochlin Smith, jeweler Bill Butler, potter Lucinda Rochester Smith, potter Leslie Koehler, and fiber artist Maggie Neale.  

KEEPING ARTWORK LOCAL

Today, Artisans Hand represents over one hundred thirty working artists, nearly all of them from Vermont. Work is selected through a jury process and includes everything from jewelry and ceramics to textiles, glass, wood, and photography. The focus is on originality, high quality craftsmanship, and creative use of materials. Gallery and Promotions Manager Elissa Campbell explains, “There's a person and a story behind every piece we carry. Each one is imbued with passion and skill.”

 Ceramic chopstick bowl by Leslie Koehler.

ALL IS ARRANGED WITH CARE

You can feel it when you walk in. Visitors often pause to take in the scent, a cozy mix of beeswax candles and goat’s milk soaps. Then comes the color and texture, the handwoven scarves, the carved wooden utensils, the shimmering blown-glass ornaments. Everything is arranged with care. Nothing feels overcrowded.

 Mixed-metal earrings by Amy Dalton of Ojalá Designs.

That experience is part of what makes Artisans Hand a must-visit. The team behind the scenes takes pride in their customer service, not just helping people find the perfect gift, but also helping them understand what makes that object special. “We try to educate customers about the value of handmade work,” says Campbell. “These are heirloom pieces, meant to last. When someone buys from us, they are not just supporting a gallery; they are supporting Vermont artists and preserving traditional skills.”

 Ceramic pitcher by Lucinda Rochester Smith of Greenwood Pottery.

 Forest Series ceramic mug by Alexi High.

BRINGING NEW ITEMS AND IDEAS TO LIFE

One new initiative the gallery is especially excited about is Passport to Montpelier. Created by board member Bill Butler, the bilingual coupon booklet invites Canadian tourists to explore downtown. It includes discounts at more than thirty local businesses, including Artisans Hand, as well as a self-guided walking tour and a spotlight on Montpelier’s illuminated bridges. The booklet is free and valid through July 2026. Though the structure of Artisans Hand has shifted over time (today, it operates with a board, a manager, and staff), the mission remains the same. It is still a gallery run by artists, for artists, and for the people who believe in the value of art made by hand.

 Departure silkscreened print by Carol MacDonald.

 Cherry tasting spoons by Ellen and Jeff Falsgraf of Vermont Spoon.

So whether you are a tourist strolling through town or a Vermonter looking for a gift with meaning, step inside Artisans Hand. You may not only leave with something beautiful, but also with a beautiful story.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARTISANS HAND CRAFT GALLERY

ARTISANS HAND CRAFT GALLERY

89 Main Street at City Center

Montpelier, VT

www.artisanshand.com