The Button Factory Studios are a collection of artist studios about 1/2 mile from downtown…read morePortsmouth. It's not the only mill building to be converted into artist's studios, but I think they've done the best job. More than any other similar building, when I'm walking through the halls of this place I just want to chuck it all and pretend that I can paint. Or draw. Or make furniture. Or maybe jewelry. You get the idea. Just being around all of the creativity in this building (actually several buildings) is habit forming and I want to be a part of it. Every year they have a weekend called Open Studios. Many of the artists open their studios to the public and other artists rent space in the hallways, and they'd all be happy to sell you whatever they've made. Since this is during the holidays and it's in a fairly artsy community, it's popular. Parking is horrible, it's hot inside, and you won't get anywhere in a hurry because of the crowds, but the stuff you'll see is amazing. I have no idea what the day to day issues of working in this space are. I don't know if the owner keeps on top of things, I don't know who pays the heat or picks up the trash. All I know is that this space is one of the coolest and most creative spots in a very cool and creative city, and there's a waiting list to get in so having a studio here is probably a terrific thing.

Nothing brings me more joy than being able to see what other loyal art laborers have for exhibit…read more The old button factory has since been converted into a labyrinth of artist studios (inspiration, color, and life around each corner). Once a year, the artists open their studios and exhibit their work to the public... ~~OPEN STUDIOS is usually the first weekend of December (2011: DECEMBER 3 and 4, 2011 OPEN STUDIOS! 11-5pm!!!) admission fee 0$~~ *Several of the artists offer classes (painting, sculpting, quilting, etc). *My favorite studios to visit: Emma Ashby (an increeedible wax artist - her work breaths life and brightness), Erin A. Ellis (an aspiring childrens book illustrator who has created this adorable creature: the chubbikin), Jen Murray (wonderfully talented photographer - - - great to keep in mind for wedding planning couples, or collectors of unique prints), Sarah Minor (painter of canvas floor cloths), and Roger Goldenberg (crazy awesome, 3-dimensional paintings!). *For SALE??!!! Yes, some works are a bit...costly, but these are pieces which will last a lifetime (and then another...and another). Spread the love, invest in art! Just when the holidays are shifting into fourth gear, it's a wonderful way to spend an early-December morning. Great (brilliant!) people, a unique space, and (of course) enough artistic eye candy to light your own wee inspiration candle.

Very nice art gallery, paintings, glass pieces and kaleidoscopes…read more Paintings by New England artists.

I have to say that this is my favorite gallery downtown Portsmouth…read more As I strolled through, I saw high quality work by local and national artists exhibited with care and style. A wide range of media is well-represented by skillfully executed and interesting works. Each piece stands on its own as much as it contributes to the overall feel and look of the gallery. The high quality of customer service just added to my wonderful experience at NW Barrett Gallery. Thank you

The Banks Gallery has had a tough time in Portsmouth. they've moved several times over the years…read moreand have been closed for a while due to a fire in their building. They're having a reopening reception on October 24th and it will be good to see them back in business.

What an awesome little studio! There's a ton of unique and interesting pottery, really friendly…read morepeople, and a really friendly little dog who like to have her back scratched. You can't help but feel like you're home when you're here.

I love this little studio. I love that you can see the workspace as well as the gallery space. I…read morelove that there's NPR playing in the background when I go in, and I love that the owner recognized me from one visit to the next a couple months later. I'm always able to find a unique, original piece to give as a housewarming gift or other small present for someone. Plus, the resident dog is small and cute and makes me happy. Hooray for local businesses.

Collect artwork-paintings, fabric art and photographs- from talented local artists from New…read moreHampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. New shows going up as I write: "A Beautiful View" paintings fresh from the easel of Plein air and studio painters, the 41st Annual Jack Parfitt Open Juried Photography show. Plus, small works and bin items ready to take home both framed and unframed! I was just gallery sitting and couldn't resist taking home two such works! Three Birds by Barbara Albert and Turkeys and Farms by Marlene Sawaf.

An art gallery that's bigger than you think. Some interesting stuff and some that did nothing for…read moreme. Since I'm esthetically challenged, this may actually be the highest praise I can give the place. Seriously, add this gallery to your list as you're walking around town.

Nahcotta is literally the cutest shop ever. They sell a variety of neat things such as prints,…read moreartwork, jewelry, stationery, small-batch treats (funky chocolates! cool jams! interesting hot sauces... ghost pepper-tequila-lavender sauce anyone?), and body care. Oh, there's also a small sales section tucked in the corner of the room! I had one H E C K of a good time browsing the stationery + prints sections where I picked out a peach gel pen, an adorable animal sticker sheet, and a fun pug print (which came with an envelope!). I'd highly recommend checking this store out for all things artsy, neat, whimsical, and fun.

This was a fun little shop! They have great items for kids and adults alike. They have a wonderful…read moreassortment of house warming gifts, kitchen items, and art...oh the fun art! My husband and I couldn't leave without purchasing some accessories for our office (click and felt coasters). When we got home from our trip, we were describing this shop to some friends that own an art gallery and they knew exactly the store we were talking about! Ha. Stop by and pick yourself out a little something.

A very eclectic shop. I was up in York last week for vacation and was looking for a liquor store,…read moreand this came up in my search engine. Friendly owner, very nice selection of wines!

Great store and service. We came in search of bourbons. Owner was very helpful with us and even…read moretook our name and number for when items we were looking for are available. Love to come back!

Tulips has moved to 62 Market St, about 2 blocks away from their old location. Things are still…read morebeing set up but it's a cute space and it's looking good. As someone who hates to move, I have to congratulate the owner on getting everything together so fast! I think this is the space that used to be "The Tub Shop" and this may be the only store on that block of Market St. that I haven't been inside. If you're looking for something crafty with a Portsmouth theme, the selection here is really good. Of course there's a lot more than that inside, and you should check it out for yourself.

Found *the* perfect gift for my creative, quirky and wonderful mother-in-law at Tulip's. They carry…read moreart, pottery, jewelry and will definitely be a gift must-stop the next time we find ourselves in Portsmouth... which will hopefully be sooner than later.

This is well worth a detour if you are interested in contemporary art. Owner/curator, Mary Harding…read morehas a great eye and is a delightful hostess as well. A great opportunity to see regional artists as that is who she represents. If you enjoy fine contemporary art, this place should be on your radar when in the area. I will certainly be back when in New England.

Spectacular location! Very well curated. Highlights area artists, new and well established. I visit…read moreoften.

There's a new art gallery in town and I love it. The Parlor at Plainspoke is a small gallery with…read moredifferent exhibits to see. The space is clean and sleek, and doesn't distract from the art at all. And the relatively small size means that small unknown artists can have a show in their own gallery. This is a really good thing for Portsmouth and it deserves everyone's support.