This is a great co-op where local artists display their work and offer it for sale. There's lots of jewelry, paintings, sculptures, flutes, ceramics, baskets, etc. I purchased some jewelry and some ceramics and rattles. I was able to find some more items elsewhere in town, but if you're not the kind to hunt around, this place may suffice. This place also has a large exhibit of baskets, woodwork, and other things, with pictures of the artists and an explanation of the traditions and techniques used. A must visit after the museum. Note: there was a truck selling "fry bread", typical of AZ and NM, and so we took a chance of some Cherokee style fry bread, as the person selling it called it. It's legit. read more

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Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual is located across the street from the museum. It is where you will find the authentic crafts both being made and sold. The gallery is large and has a variety of items so you can find something you were looking for or just browse and admire the quality work. It is well worth a visit. read more

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Wonderful co-op of ONLY Native American crafts (nothing mass-produced). One side was crafts from Cherokee artists and the other was from other tribes. If you are looking for true crafts & artistry, not your typical touristy treasures, definitely shop here. Take your time and look around, read the stories of the artists, and learn about the rich history of these cultures. The staff were all knowledgeable and friendly. There was a lot to see but I was especially impressed with the baskets, and they are expensive, but when you look closely at the detail and craftsmanship of each piece, you will understand why the prices are reasonable. I was shopping for a necklace and found a beautiful, petite, Sterling necklace with matching earrings for $99. My hubby chose a dream catcher. Each piece was boxed nicely at the register and placed in a recyclable brown bag with handles. We are very happy with our purchases and appreciate that we could shop and support Native American artists. read more

Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual - Sterling silver necklace with matching earrings. I like this type of clasp too - so easy! - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Cherokee, North Carolina

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Local artesian enclave selling from handmade baskets, blankets to hand made knives. Don't look for a bargain as this is all local Cherokee hand crafted items read more

Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Cherokee, North Carolina

If quiet and spacious browsing and authentic and original crafts and works of art are your preference, you will love the Qualla Co-Op. I did! Alhough this is not a souvenir shop, I managed to snag a couple of small, less expensive items that will indeed serve as reminders of my visit to Cherokee and the nearby Smoky Mountains. But even more importantly, for a few minutes in an otherwise noisy, busy trip, I was transported to a place of peace and beauty as I took in the wood carvings, quilting, jewelry, baskets, canvas art and other creations made by members of the local Cherokee community. I selected a bracelet and a small basket. Children might be interested in the wooden whistles and beaded necklaces. I overheard the proprietor explain to another guest that authenticity is guaranteed because before someone is allowed to sell their work here, they must come into the co-op and demonstrate their craft or skill in person. On the litte slip of paper I found tucked into my shopping bag, it says the Qualla Co-Op was organized to help increase the amount of crafts made, raise the standard of workmanship and secure for the artisan a better return for his or her product. I was happy to be able to support, even with my very modest purchase, their effort. read more

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Worth the drive to experience Cherokee art. Support artisans and learn their history. I asked around in Gatlinburg of where to get a basket and was told, just go to Cherokee. The gallery inside is amazing. You can learn about a variety of crafts. The collection of vintage pieces were stunning. I can't wait to learn more about the artisan I bought a basket from. I should note that you should expect to pay for their expertise and craftsmanship. read more

Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual - Which one to choose??? - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Cherokee, North Carolina

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We stopped at this particular store because all of the goods are made by Native Americans. There is so much history shared within the store. The goods are top notch and authentic while also displaying who they were locally made by. This stop is worth it even if you don't buy anything just to see the goods and note the history. read more

We come to Yelp for all things local. So while you pass through Cherokee, NC en route to the Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to stop at Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual. What I appreciate is that it is a co-operative selling strictly Native American crafts. There are individual stories of the different indigenous artists who produce the crafts. While the prices a bit on the high side, they are not made/purchased from China or mass produced. Half of the building is made locally by those of the Cherokee Nation and the other side is from other tribes. This makes it worth the extra buck. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. There is no better place to purchase a souvenir while in the area. read more

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We stopped in to view some authentic Native American arts and crafts before visiting the Cherokee Museum across the street. They had some very nice pieces; some of which were pretty pricey. We didn't purchase anything on this visit but still enjoyed seeing the fine craftwork. It looks like they have an area for demonstrations or classes, but nothing was going on the day we visited. read more

So happy I finally got to visit Cherokee, NC. Lots to see and do, I only had 1 day to do some wandering. This is across the street for the Museum which is a must see also, it wasnt busy Im assuming due to the holidays. They have alot of crafts and handmade goodies. This is not the stuff found at the corner stores, beautiful items that look like they actually took some time to make. I bought a few pieces to support the community, the prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly. I didnt feel rushed to shop while I read about the crafts. They also have a history room area you can read and get some history about the crafts. read more

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Beautiful, high quality artisan crafts made by Native Americans. Only problem is that none of this is affordable..... for the average Joe. I've been to local artisan craft fairs where things are a little pricey but still affordable and authentic. read more

it was very nice to vheck out the items wete out of myv price range enjoyed all of yhe authenic pieces

There are a lot of fake items, so it was nice to know I was supporting artists rather than capitalists. This is not the same inexpensive junk sold in almost every souvenir shop in town, most of which is made in China or some other country. There are numerous items in this shop, along with a room dedicated to exhibits of the craftsmanship that goes into each item. I always expect to pay more for quality items, no matter where I shop. That's especially true for the craftsmanship that goes into genuine Native American pieces. It may sting, but I try to plan ahead for it. I was able to find several things well within any price range that are also useful items if cared for properly. I also found a basket that I couldn't leave there. It was a bit of a splurge, but is beautiful, unique and very well-made. There were many more items that I loved, but couldn't afford this trip. I'll be saving up for one of those next time I go. read more

Really gorgeous, authentic (not imported from struggling countries), beautiful, native crafts. This is the real deal, and not cheap, plastic, imitation junk. Beautiful, educational, and, yes, a little more expensive. read more

Gorgeous work. We picked out a nice hand-made basket to take home - pricey but with the time it takes, it's understandable. Wife said .. can we stay forever? read more

This is one of may favourite places in Cherokee. You need to be careful when buying goods in Cherokee that you are getting authentic goods, made by members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. This place sells only the highest quality and prices are very fair. The pine needle baskets are amazing. read more

Amazing staff and AMAZING ART AND HANDMADE CRAFTS from the area. A must if you are going to be in Cherokee or Bryson City. Really a great place. They have carved masks, paintings, pottery and so very much more. All well made and beautiful. read more

Warm and inviting, but I have to admit I was a little disappointed. Lots and lots of baskets, not much in other artisan offerings, although some of all. The good news, everything is authentic unlike other places in town that basically sell made-outside-the-usa souvenirs, not Cherokee Indian arts. Be prepared though -- all authentic Cherokee items are pricey. read more

Love this place. It's been a while since I've been but it was so warm and artsy, but friendly and totally filled with awesomely traditional pieces of arts and crafts. Staff was helpful and the selections were well chosen. Need To return ASAP! read more

Great authentic handmade wares, a must shop place when in Cherokee,NC. Found exactly what we were looking for.