5 handmade stops in State College

Wanna submit your own handmade stops in a county or town or region of PA?  Just send links to nick@pacrafts.org. This one comes from Staci Egan of Contempo Jewelry Designs (find her on Facebook and Twitter).

1 – Surface Artist Cooperative currently features 7 women. When you go to the co-op, you can find jewelry, pottery, fused glass, paintings and greeting cards for purchase. But you might also walk into an infant photo shoot, an internet knowledge class or pottery being thrown. The space has so much energy and there is something new daily, you can’t expect anything less from 7 ladies :) Surface Artist Cooperative is an old barn style building near the historic town of Lemont. Each of the “stall” type spaces houses a different artist.

2 – The Art Alliance of Central PA serves students, artists, and the art-loving public in Centre County and beyond. Also in Lemont, the Art Alliance is a non-profit organization that provides the community with workshops, exhibits, camps, classes and so much more.

3 – The Creative Oasis is a six thousand square foot non-profit public studio offering art classes for children and adults. Centrally located in State College’s vibrant downtown, the downstairs gallery features artwork from dozens of local artists. The Creative Oasis is entirely staffed with volunteers dedicated to keeping art education affordable in the Centre Region.

4 – Tait Farm – In addition to Tait Farm’s sustainable and organic fruits and vegetables, the Harvest Shop also carries more than 50 regional artists. You can find gourmet treats including chocolate, cheeses, chutneys and breads. The Farm is quaint, the staff is always friendly and the Taits are genuinely passionate about great food and their community.

5 – The Gallery shop located in the historic village of Lemont and has been in business for 22 years. The Gallery Shop features original art and craft work from about 50 Central Pennsylvania Artists. Adjacent to the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania you will find fused glass, stained glass, jewelry, wearable art, pewter, pottery, painting, fiber, woodwork and much more.

Where would you go from here? Share your favorite handmade stops in State College in the comment section below.