Artisans & Agency

The motto of Artisans Gallery is “Dedicated to the Creative Spirit.” Artisans celebrates this by featuring American made crafts with an emphasis on the wealth of local artists that Santa Cruz and the surrounding communities have to offer. Artisans Gallery carries wall art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, metal work, pottery, woodworking, cards, candles, kid’s items, bath products and more. Artisans Gallery has rich history in Santa Cruz. Originally an artists’ cooperative, it was founded in 1976. On October 17, 1989, Santa Cruz was hit by a 7.1 earthquake, which destroyed much of downtown. In the face of tremendous economic and physical upheaval, the artists of the cooperative felt they had to disband. Fortunately, John and Juleen Lisher, local members of the downtown community, were determined to revive the store that had become a fixture of Santa Cruz. As Santa Cruz slowly recovered from the earthquake, the Lishers slowly expanded the size and scope of the gallery to carry artists from all over North America. In 1993, the Lishers hired 16-year old Linnaea Holgers (James). In February of 2009, Linnaea celebrated her 16-year anniversary with the store by purchasing Artisans Gallery. Linnaea has continued to be “dedicated to the creative spirit,” and has further expanded the gallery by offering rotating art shows as a part of downtown’s First Friday program. The items found it Artisans Gallery are meant to be used and appreciated, from preparing food on a unique wooden cutting board to enjoying coffee in a locally made ceramic mug to wearing a pair of handmade earrings. Artisans Gallery keeps in mind the words of William Morris, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”