Where are all the canvases? I went to pick up a few on sale and the section has been cut way…read moreback--maybe half? There are NO level 2's anymore and there were hardly an of the other levels. I can't believe people weren't buying the level 2's.

They had a lot of really great sales going on! I got this super adorable hanging glass planer for…read more$8. Unfortunately due to a lot of sales there was a lot of empty aisles. I was a little disappointed in the jewelry & beading selection.

The best selection of Portsmouth-related artwork in town. Prints, watercolors, oils,…read morephotographs... this is a good place to look, whether you know what you want or not. They also do custom framing and have hundreds of frames to choose from. And it's not just Portsmouth art, there's quite a variety but it's the local stuff that really set this place apart.

Fantastic art galley right in the heart of Portsmouth. Great selection of beautiful and reasonably…read morepriced water color paintings, oil paintings and photos. A must go to place for any art lover!

I have had numerous pieces custom framed at D. Pratt's wonderful shop in Rye! Unfailingly, it has…read morebeen a pleasant experience each time I deal with the knowledgeable and good humored staff. The work is superb as well. To the person complaining about the 'fee', I say, by all means GO to a lumber yard.... You get what you pay for. Additionally, the AIR is always pleasant and smoke free! The prices are in line with what I expect to pay at an award winning frame shop. I heartily recommend David Pratt and his superior staff of framers!

I literally downloaded Yelp because I feel strongly enough about custom frame and color and the…read moreguys who run it to leave another side of the story. They're the best! I've used them for years for framing and matting. They are capable of genius when cutting down a frame to fit another painting. If I want a French mat done, I don't even need to suggest the colors used. If I ask for a watercolor or print to be "floated" on a lower bed while a raised mat surrounds it, a little bit of lovely magic, they can do it. While generally, I do not order frames, they have a great line of frames - both contemporary and traditional. I've priced frames out locally and they are very competitive with their pricing. As to the time it takes for them to complete a project, I've gotten jobs back in 48 hours. It depends on how busy they are. Thankfully for them, lots of people agree with me and there are times when it takes alittle longer to get my project back from them. I have never smelled cigarette smoke in there ever. The gallery is clean, airy,and open. The work that they've done for me has been hung at the Winter Antiques Show in January in New York City. It's hung in my home and the homes of numerous other people. Can't recommend them enough!

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.

Top notch equipment and staff is very friendly. Location - 72 Mirona Rd UNIT 15, Portsmouth, NH…read more03801.

Merristitches is my happy place!! Always a fun class, beautiful fabrics and amazing sewing…read moremachines!!

I had the opportunity to visit the Moss Galleries because my neighbor across the street is an…read moreartist and had an opening there. So close to home! It's a really nice, large space. There's a huge carpet in the middle of the room (at least with the current setup) but I can see how artificial walls could easily be brought in to make even more wall space. Having said that, it would also be a great space for sculptures. The woman working at the desk seemed very friendly, though I did not take the opportunity to chat with her much. I do feel like it's a bit of shame it's in the middle of a strip mall next to Shaw's, but we can't all land primo real estate I guess. Having said that, it's a perfect opportunity to drop by once every couple weeks before/after your grocery shopping. I believe I will do this in the future!

If you want to see (mostly) Maine artists' work, well-hung and well-lit, Elizabeth Moss Galleries…read moreare the places to go. They are welcoming, not intimidating, and the Falmouth gallery has plenty of parking. The line up is always different at the Portland gallery than the Falmouth gallery. Both offer insights into Maine's artist community at the highest levels. Elizabeth is the right person to advise you on choosing art that works for you in your space-- office or home. Their framing services are top notch, but it's the art I go for. I make a point of visiting the galleries regularly. The shows change about once a month and even when I don't want to take any piece home, I do find the work intriguing.

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.