Artful Hands celebrates the people, skills, and traditions that give a place its character. Rooted in a belief that craftsmanship and creativity are essential parts of our cultural heritage, Artful Hands brings together artists, makers, craftspeople, preservationists, collectors, and communities to share knowledge, tell stories, and keep meaningful traditions alive.
Through exhibitions, gatherings, educational programs, and events such as Hands ON History and Making Place, Artful Hands creates opportunities to experience craft and preservation not simply as things from the past, but as living practices carried forward by the hands of people working today.
Our Signature Programs
-
Hands on History Symposium 2026
November 6 & 7, 2026
Preserving knowledge. Honoring makers. Building a shared future.
A symposium that brings together historians, craftspeople, preservationists, and enthusiasts to explore the skills, stories, and traditions that built our places and shaped our lives.
-
Making Place Exhibition and Programs
November 2 - 12, 2026
Celebrating the makers who create and enrich our community.
A curated exhibition featuring traditional earthenware pottery on loan from private collections, hand-forged ironwork, and programs throughout the week-long event.
Supporting Our Creative Community
Artful Hands seeks to support and strengthen the work of other organizations and individuals in our community whose efforts align with our mission. Through partnerships, shared programming, promotion, resources, and other forms of support we hope to encourage and amplify events and initiatives that celebrate the arts, craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and historic preservation. By working together, we can broaden participation, share knowledge, and create meaningful experiences that might not otherwise be possible.