Our Story

Handwork Co-op is an artist collective located in downtown Ithaca, New York. The co-op first began in 1976 with just 12 craftspeople. Working together, this group opened a retail shop to sell their wares. Through the years, the co-op has since expanded it’s membership, has been featured in USA Today,  and is widely known to feature the most beautiful, skillfully crafted wares in the Finger Lakes region. 

Handwork is owned, operated and staffed by its artist members. Each time you visit the store in person, you’ll have the opportunity to meet an artist working at the front desk! Our co-op is comprised of over 30 member artisans creating a range of work that includes pottery, sculpture, woodworking, glass, jewelry, fiber, wearable art, leather, dried florals, paper goods, fine art and photography. The cooperative also carries a selection of high quality crafts and art from makers around New York and across the country. 

To learn how to apply to the co-op, visit our Apply Page, we also consider artists for consignment and wholesale. 

Handwork donates 5% of its net profit each year to community medical and food programs, as well as art education. The Handwork Art Fund was established in 2014 with a mission to support a student who is interested in pursuing a career in craft or visual art. Interested applicants can e-mail us at Handworkcoop@gmail.com.

Handwork Cooperative does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender and gender expression, age, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, parental/family status, political beliefs or military status. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all customers, members of our co-op, business relationships, and vendors.