Each year in November, the Artisan Studio Tour invites visitors into art studios across the area. During this two-day event, you'll find our local artisan studios and retail galleries, events and workshops related to their craft.

You can find other artisans and art events year-round below!

Artisan Galleries and Boutiques

C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery, Crozet Artisan Depot, and The Barn Swallow are favorite places to explore the work of many of the region’s talented craftspeople. One of the oldest artists cooperatives in the country, McGuffey Art Center houses three galleries, studios for more than forty artists, and incubator space for younger artists. Media on display includes painting and photography as well as fiber, ceramics, glass, and collage. The museum shop at James Monroe’s Highland sells “heirloom quality” crafts by well-known regional artisans.

C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery Our beautiful storefront gallery space is home to more than 50 artist members from across central Virginia, providing area residents and visitors with the opportunity to view and purchase art and crafts by contemporary Virginia artists year-round. From traditional to… Learn More
McGuffey Art Center The McGuffey Art Center is a co-operative, non-profit organization that has been in existence since 1975 and is housed in the former McGuffey Elementary School building. The schoolrooms were transformed into forty studios, three galleries, and a gift shop. The… Learn More
The Barn Swallow The Barn Swallow Artisan Gallery It's not just a shop. It's not just a stop to pick out a gift...The Barn Swallow unfolds into a stroll through flower-strewn paths that open up into an early 1800's barn… filled with artisan… Learn More
Crozet Artisan Depot Crozet Artisan Depot is a hub for the artist community of central Virginia, representing more than 80 regional artists and artisans inside the Historic Train Depot in downtown Crozet. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of western… Learn More

Events

Expect to find more than produce and baked goods at area farmers markets. Handcrafted textiles and baskets, jewelry, wooden toys, soap, and beauty products are just some of the crafts available to buy. Usually held Saturday mornings from early April into December, the Farmers Market at IX Art Park, Charlottesville City Market, and Scottsville Farmers Market are popular with both locals and visitors. See below for for a complete list of farmers markets in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

The Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival, a juried event that attracts 100+ artisans from across the U.S., is held twice a year, in May and October, at Claudius Crozet Park. Combine the festival with visits to gorgeous orchards and wineries in Crozet, which is located just 15 miles west of downtown Charlottesville and 11 miles east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The annual Artisans Studio Tour, always held the second weekend of November, invites you into the working spaces of local artisans. This self-guided tour features studios Charlottesville and rural communities of Albemarle County and beyond.

Many of our cultural festivals include craft markets, and Craft Cville hosts pop-up markets throughout the year. Best of all, these events allow you to meet artisans in person to talk about how and why they create. Check out our calendar of events below to see what’s happening during your next visit.

Events Charlottesville and Albemarle County host a variety of visitor-friendly events throughout the year, bringing people together to celebrate food, drinks, music, art, culture, history, the outdoors and more. Learn More
Farmers Markets Charlottesville-area farmers’ markets have been popular gathering spaces for years, bringing together locals, vendors, families, students, and tourists alike on almost every Saturday morning of the year. Learn More

Interactive Experiences

Express yourself in Charlottesville and Albemarle County! The Glass Palette is a great place to experiment with glass and create your own work of art. Be sure to reserve time for yourself or a small party. Pikasso Swig DIY Craft Bar offers retro-style craft projects to complete on site or takeaway. Lazy Daisy Ceramics has a wide selection of pottery painting projects for all ages. Check out the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center and Ix Art Park for regularly scheduled arts activities.

The Glass Palette — Interactive Glass Art Studio Virginia's only create-your-own glass art studio. Walk in to our open studio any time and create with glass! All ages welcome, no experience required! Classes, workshops, parties. Visit our gift gallery of handmade art glass treasures, or walk in any… Learn More
Pikasso Swig If you're looking to unleash your creativity, Pikasso Swig is the place to be. Our DIY craft workshop and art bar has 40+ projects for both children and adults. We offer instruction and supplies so that you're able to create… Learn More
Plant Studio Plant Studio offers build-your-own terrarium workshops by appointment. Plan to meet at the Dairy Market or pop-up locations around the community. Great way to celebrate friend gatherings, children's parties, date nights, team building, bachelorette or bachelor parties, or "wine &… Learn More
Lazy Daisy Ceramics and the Pottery Paintin’ Place Creative pottery and ceramic fun for all ages. We are party head quarters--birthdays, showers, corporate, team building, troops, holiday parties--give us a call to arrange a fun and unique experience for your group. Tuesday-Wednesday 10-4 Thursday-Saturday 10-5 Sunday 1-4 Closed… Learn More

Always on the hunt for special supplies? Visit Magpie Knits and Ewe Fine Fiber Goods for yarns and textile supplies, Poppypointe for needlepoint projects, and Cottonwood for quilt fabrics. Many host classes and events, and Creative Framing & The Art Box also hosts exhibits.

Cottonwood Quilt Shop COTTONWOOD, since 1995, offers over 3000 bolts of quality fabrics, supplies, classes, machine service & repair; and is the Charlottesville BERNINA dealer. Learn More
EWE fine fiber goods At EWE we love fiber. We specialize in American sourced fiber, yarns and handmade notions for all of your knitting, crochet, spinning and natural dye projects. We believe that by featuring products from American farmers, dyers, woodworkers and other craft… Learn More
Magpie Knits Magpie Knits is a full-service yarn shop and needlework community located in Charlottesville, Virginia on the historic downtown mall. We carry a large selection of beautiful yarns, needlepoint canvases, and notions. We have classes for every level of knitter. Learn More
Poppypointe Poppypointe is a whimsical needlepoint retail store. We offer original canvases, a wide variety of threads, finishing services and all the accessories to help you stitch your art! Our philosophy is to help you find the project that works with… Learn More
Creative Framing & The Art Box — Charlottesville We specialize in greeting cards including letterpress, locally made, and quirky humor. We also have a variety of unique gifts and items for creative children. We are known throughout Central Virginia for our stunningly diverse selection of art supplies. We… Learn More
Creative Framing & The Art Box — Crozet We specialize in greeting cards including letterpress, locally made, and quirky humor. We also have a variety of unique gifts and items for creative children. We are known throughout Central Virginia for our stunningly diverse selection of art supplies. We… Learn More

Scope out additional businesses and attractions below for a craft-inspired trip to Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Check out our Places to Stay page for the perfect accommodations to call home during your arts-centric visit to Charlottesville and Albemarle County!

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