More than Buttons at the Button Factory

Probably my favorite arts & crafts event in NH is the annual Open Studio weekend at the Button Factory in Portsmouth, NH ... so let me tell you all the things I love about this event ...

History - The event takes place in some old mill buildings (red brick with really tall ceilings) dating back to the late 1800s. The name comes from the fact that they used to manufacture buttons there, when people wore high-button shoes ... a long time ago. More recently, 2 entrepreneurs bought the building and turned it into artist studios.

Event - This year celebrates the 25th year as an artist's building, and I continue to be amazed at the incredible array of talent that I see there each year. My favorites are the woodworking (some incredible furniture & clocks) and fabric crafts (I'm a quilter) and then there is my love of color, so most things with lots of bright color are fun for me.

When you go to this event, you're not just seeing the creative products of many artists ... you also have a chance to chat with the artists on almost any topic from how they got started, what inspires them and so much more.

Who's There - The official website says there will be 70 artists and craftspeople showcasing their work, and almost all of it is for sale ... so a great opportunity to find holiday gifts for that special person. I personally think there are quite a few more artists as often they share space so one studio will have 2 or 3 artists exhibiting. They include painters, woodworkers (furniture makers, boat builders and toy makers), jewelers, photographers, sculptors, bookbinders, framers, fabric artists, metalsmiths and more.

Where - The Button Factory is on Islington St in Portsmouth, NH. It's not right on the street and it might be easier to find by locating Plaza 800 and Hannaford's Supermarketing (used to be the Pic 'n Pay) and the Button Factory is on the other side of Islington. For a map & directions ...

When - ... how could I forget this important detail? The open studio is December 4-5, 2010

My favorite artist, that I met at the Button Factory many years ago is Suzanne Roskowick