Handwork, Ithaca's Artisan Cooperative

Handwork, Ithaca's Artisan Cooperative Handwork is owned and staffed by artists, offering handcrafted work from makers and beyond.

Handwork, Ithaca’s Cooperative Craft Store was founded in 1976 by 12 local craftspeople. Handwork currently has 40+ artist members who own and staff the store, meet monthly to share information and decision making and jury new member-applicants. Our store is located in Downtown Ithaca, showcasing the area's finest pottery, woodworking, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, and more. Gift Certificates, Gift Registry and shipping options are available.

08/10/2026

Have you ever seen a macrame forest? You can at Handwork! For the month of August, Handwork member Amy Bess Puryear has an installation of her macrame plant hangers displayed in collaboration with both Handwork and local potters. For first Friday Gallery Night Amy did a demonstration of her process as well as giving participants the opportunity to make their own macrame keychain. 🧬 🪴💓

If you're interested in taking a class with Amy, give her a follow and sign up for her email list! And don't forget to stop by Handwork to see this beautiful window in person.

Handwork welcomes for the month of August visiting artist Terrence D Fitzgerald. Stop by Handwork to see this stunning d...
08/05/2026

Handwork welcomes for the month of August visiting artist Terrence D Fitzgerald. Stop by Handwork to see this stunning display in person!

Fitzgerald is an entomologist, visual artist, and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at SUNY Cortland. Holding a Ph.D. in Entomology from Oregon State University, Fitzgerald spent over six decades researching and teaching animal behavior, organismal ecology, and entomology. He has published over eighty technical articles on the behavioral and chemical ecology of insects, particularly social caterpillars.

What began as a technical tool to document the behavioral and chemical ecology of insects evolved into a dedicated artistic practice. Recognizing that the intricate structures, patterns, and iridescence that make insects scientifically fascinating also make them visually compelling, Fitzgerald transitioned from strict documentation to an intentional study of color, form, and texture.

By combining traditional macro photography with high-resolution frame extractions from 4K video recordings, Fitzgerald captures fleeting, subtle movements in remarkable detail. Their work operates at the intersection of science and visual art—transforming micro-anatomical structures into captivating design and inviting viewers to trade their reflexive discomfort for a sense of awe and respect for the insect world.

Contact:
You can see educational videos on YouTube by searching Firefly403.
Email: [email protected]

Come say hi to Amy Bess Puryear at Handwork this Friday for Ithaca Gallery Night
08/01/2026

Come say hi to Amy Bess Puryear at Handwork this Friday for Ithaca Gallery Night

Ceramicist Kari Zelson Robertson and jeweler Michael Rubenstein both enjoy the high contrast interplay of black and whit...
07/30/2026

Ceramicist Kari Zelson Robertson and jeweler Michael Rubenstein both enjoy the high contrast interplay of black and white, using it to highlight the elegance of simple shapes and geometric forms. The elegance of both their work harmonizes so well! 🖤🤍🖤🤍

Check out their work in person and on our online shop where we feature a curated selection of what we have available at our brick and mortar location. 🔥

The artist members of the Handwork Co-op hold a deep appreciation for the place they call home. Many of them show that a...
07/28/2026

The artist members of the Handwork Co-op hold a deep appreciation for the place they call home. Many of them show that appreciation by honoring this region in their work! Browse our Finger Lakes Gifts collection on our online shop and take home a piece of the Finger Lakes today! https://www.handwork.coop/collections/finger-lakes-gifts?page=1 🌊🌳🐦

The color palette here is so perfect for summer. Handwork just got in an amazing, big restock from Ester (PLANETARIUM). ...
07/22/2026

The color palette here is so perfect for summer. Handwork just got in an amazing, big restock from Ester (PLANETARIUM). Lots of new shirts and tea towels with richly illustrated prints of flora and fawna you don't want to miss. 💛🩷💜

What do you think of when you hear the word cooperative? At Handwork, it's about the power of many hands and minds comin...
07/15/2026

What do you think of when you hear the word cooperative? At Handwork, it's about the power of many hands and minds coming together to create something bigger than any one individual could. 💡

Here we have Julia, our Marketing and Displays Manager working with Co-op Member Amy Bess Puryear, to pull together the vision for next month's front window installation. It's going to feature Amy's macrame planters with pots from Handwork potters and beyond! 🪴

Also be on the lookout for more info on the live demonstration Amy will be sharing for August's First Friday Gallery Night. 🖼️

Teamwork makes the dream work. 😘
Photos by Michael Ludgate

This month Handwork is featuring a window promoting a new publication from the Cayuga Trails Club - Best 50 Hikes in and...
07/13/2026

This month Handwork is featuring a window promoting a new publication from the Cayuga Trails Club - Best 50 Hikes in and around Ithaca NY. This handy book is wonderful for both visitors and locals alike revealing essential information such as overview maps for all 50 hikes, a chart comparing hikes by difficulty, information on local geology, human history and ecology, which hikes accessible by TCAT bus or wheelchair, guidance on apps that track hiking routes, safety tips and trail etiquette, trail amenities and parking information. 🗺️

Stop by Handwork to pick up a copy today! All proceeds go towards supporting the Cayuga Trails Club and their work connecting the public with the natural world. 🌱

07/08/2026

It's so wonderful to be able to see a bit behind the scenes of how artists bring their work to life. Be sure to watch to the end of the video to see the final product 👀

Thank you to everyone who came out to Gallery Night this past Friday and stopped by Handwork. They got to see Kari (Kari Zelson Robertson) in action with a live demonstration sharing a part of the process she incorporates to produce the works in her WATER series. 🐚🌊🐟

Have a great 4th of July weekend! 🇺🇸 See you Sunday from 11-5.
07/04/2026

Have a great 4th of July weekend! 🇺🇸 See you Sunday from 11-5.

Address

102 W State St
Ithaca, NY
14850

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

16072739400

Website

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