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.

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.

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.

Don Gorvett is the premiere woodcut artist on the New England east coast by far. Collected by many…read moremuseums his studio and gallery is a place to definitely stop in when you're in the Portsmouth area. Not only can you purchase some of his stunning wood cuts at varying prices (anywhere from postcards up to thousands of dollars for original prints). You'll be fascinated by his world, watching him even work sometimes right in fronted of you- he's very personable and loves to talk about his work.

We stopped in to check out some beautiful Art. We briefly met Don Gorvett and was inspired by many…read moreof his woodblock pieces. Don is a Woodblock reduction printmaker. Many Art pieces showcasing in color or black and white. He had a few woodblocks out showing the original material before he applied his process. Our visit was too short in Portsmouth. It was inspiring to meet the artist and view his gallery. Friendly with a true love of his art.

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.

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.

Great little venue for an intimate concert. The staff was great and there was a large ADA section…read more Would love to return to check out the art on display.

We went on a Saturday night to see Donna The Buffalo. A very clean and yet intimate performance…read morespace, excellent sound and sight lines. We like to stand and move around for music so we loved it. Some who needed seats were less than ecstatic as their views were blocked, but that is just an FYI. Sometimes it is the staff and attitude that sets things part, and this is true for this venue. The folks are friendly, accommodating and have the right attitude. I confess. I did something I was not supposed to do. I was a skofflaw, even if by accident. AND I got "caught". My bad. They handled it all with humor and grace and were accommodating. We were laughing about it at the end, and it could easily have gotten ugly elsewhere. Well done!

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!

Extraordinary array of contemporary art that includes large formats for your big walls and lots of…read morewonderful nautically themed pieces.

From the owner: An intimate boutique art gallery showcasing the work of contemporary master painter Regina…read morePiantedosi. Abstract, textural mixed media pieces using encaustic, leafing, glass, metal, cold wax. Beautiful, unexpected art for todays exquisite homes.

Great jewelry store in downtown Portsmouth. Large store with a good assortment of everything…read more Nice staff. Really old, cool store. Fun place. Didn't buy anything, but fun to look.

Amazing location and storefront. Everything is beautifully layed out and there's a wide selection…read moreof everything! They even have chains too! Couldn't ask for anything more, and great value for your money.