If you're planning a trip to the Finger Lakes Region, you can be assured that visitors searching for things to do in Ithaca NY will discover that the city’s artistic energy is everywhere.
Known for its creative spirit, natural beauty, and thriving community of artists, Ithaca has even earned national recognition as one of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2025, according to CNN and the city also appears on the Top 100 Arts-Vibrant Communities list (ranked #6) from SMU Data Arts, whose Arts Vibrancy Index measures how deeply the arts are woven into a community.
For travelers exploring the region, Ithaca stands out as a place where nature lovers, art connoisseurs and music enthusiasts thrive. And if you want an experience where you can actually connect directly to artists behind the work - look no further than Handwork, Ithaca’s Artisan Cooperative.
The Best Place to Find Local Art in Ithaca
Located in the heart of downtown, Handwork Co-op is one of the best places to discover local art, handmade gifts, and unique souvenirs.
Handwork is a 100% artist-owned and staffed retail cooperative that will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1976 by just twelve local craftspeople who pooled their resources to open a storefront, the cooperative has hosted a wide variety of artists over the years and is currently sustained by over 25 members.
Unlike most gift shops, Handwork connects visitors directly to the makers themselves.
Every item in the store is:
- Handmade by one of the artist members which accounts for approximately 80% of Handwork’s merchandise.
- Or sourced directly from independent makers in the Finger Lakes region and the United States.
Even more special, the artists themselves staff the shop, giving visitors a chance to meet the creators and hear the stories behind the work.
For travelers looking for authentic souvenirs or locally made gifts, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience offering many one-of-a-kind art objects in a variety of categories such as...
- Handmade pottery
- Artisan jewelry
- Fine woodworking
- Fiber art and textiles
- Leather goods
- Paintings, illustrations, prints
- Photography
- Dried floral arrangements
In an era dominated by mass-produced products and imported goods, Handwork offers something increasingly rare: lovingly handcrafted art made by working American artists and craftspeople.
A 50-Year legacy in Ithaca’s Arts Community
As many small businesses struggle to survive, the cooperative represents a resilient model of community-driven entrepreneurship. By sharing resources and supporting one another, local artists have sustained a retail space where creativity and craftsmanship can flourish. Over the past 50 years, Handwork has helped:
- Sustain the livelihoods of regional artists
- Preserve traditional craft skills
- Keep production rooted in the United States
- Connect visitors with Ithaca’s vibrant arts culture
It remains one of the longest-running artist cooperatives in the Finger Lakes region.
A Can’t-Miss Stop by the Ithaca Commons
If you're exploring downtown Ithaca shopping, Handwork is a must-visit stop located right by the Ithaca Commons at 102 West MLK Junior/State Street.
Handwork is a place where the creative spirit of Ithaca comes to life! Whether you're visiting for the waterfalls, wineries, or the region’s arts scene, it's the perfect place to discover local art and meet the people who make it.
So, if you're planning a trip and searching for what to do while you're in town, make sure to add Handwork to your list. Because the best way to remember your trip to Ithaca is to take home an authentic part of its community.