Cambridge Artists Cooperative

Nice stuff… don’t appreciate being followed around like I am going to steal something…

Full disclosure: I walked out with two art prints. However, some of the items were a bit kitschy for my taste. If that’s your thing, you’ll be a happy camper. Secondly, the prices were out of my price range. This is to be expected from handcrafted items but just aren’t my style even I could afford it. THAT SAID, I would still recommend checking it out and see what you can find!

I worked here about 20 years ago as a temp during the holiday season. Today was the first time I’ve been back since then. We were looking for a pair of artisan earrings for my daughter’s birthday and Heather Wang’s work drew us to the CAC. I was excited to return to see what had remained the same and what differed from so many years ago. We walked in and we were the only customers there. There was a man sitting behind the counter who did not acknowledge us. It was pointedly rude. I gave him another chance, going right up to the counter to look at some rings. I attempted to make eye contact from 18 inches away. Nothing.
We then drifted down to the lower level where a woman sat at the register to the right as we entered. Again, no «hello,» much less a turn of the head. We browsed a bit in there and wanted to see some of the jewelry in the cases. I tried to make eye contact but none of that was to be had from this one. Directly in front of her view, I stood pointing out earrings that I liked to my husband. Again, nothing. It was like, «I don’t see you.»
That was it. We will never purchase anything from this store. I am aware that the workers are artists who sell their work in the store itself a «cooperative.» I am so all about cooperatives and support them wholeheartedly. But no, not like this. I wondered if they think they are beyond the practice of good manners of their artistic sensibilities. Maybe they took some customer service lessons from AA down the street on the corner, whose very approach to middle-​aged people is to be as rude as possible. Charming. But artists selling your wares on Church Street, you’re not young hipsters. You are really too old to be too cool to say hello. Just a hello. Common courtesy. Manners. Please. This was very disappointing. We will return to the store, don’t worry, but we will get the artists’ names for the pieces we like (and hope they aren’t those of the two people working there today), and unlike 20 years ago, we can just go online or to shows and purchase directly from the artist. I value shopping local and supporting cooperatives but I will not tolerate treating people poorly. Shame on you.

Nice place to discover arts/​crafts made by local artists. Overpriced, though.

This shop is so neat! It’s as much a shop as it is an art galore. Came across this shop during a random walk in Harvard Square, the items are unique, variety and exquisite, best of all they are all products of local artists. They have everything from jewelries, clocks, paintings to decors. The atmosphere is quiet, clean and organized, it feels like walking into a museum. Loved the origami earrings in the display cases downstairs.
Beautiful shop! Friendly atmosphere!

Such pretty stuff here. I so prefer to shop in places with products that aren’t mass produced and available in millions to people all over America. Were I still working and not currently an unemployed student, this place would surely have parted me with some cold hard cash. As it was, I just had to admire and dream. Not a bad thing here.
If you’d like to A. support local artists, B. buy something unique as yourself, C. give a gift that will be far more thoughtful than a gift card, this is a good spot to shop.

Textiles, jewelry and glass — oh, my. We stopped in hear after loading up on chocolate and macaroons at LA Burdicks. I just love all the colors in this store. It is an art gallery full of original items for sale. Today, all Christmas ornaments were 20% off, but I was not quite in the mood for that.
What did catch our eye was the little glass animals in a case. My little one likes to collect glass animals and there were plenty to choose from — flying pigs, turtles, penguins (with or without winter hats), fish, etc. I ended up buying a turtle and from the artist no less who was working the cash register that day (added bonus, he was very interesting).

Great hand made jewelry, pottery, leather goods, clothing, and artwork. Not cheap, but you will find beautiful, unique things here!

I’d call this a craft gallery rather than an art gallery and I mean it in the best possible way. This is not an austere empty space with a few over priced paintings on the wall that elicit an instinctive «my kid could do that…» This is a 3 floor space (bigger than it looks from the front) that is packed to the rafters with gorgeous (and in many cases affordable) contemporary american craft. There is an amazing and eclectic range of art to wear, jewelry, glass, quilts, leather work, wood, silver gold stoneware etc. I’ve bought a number of small, modestly priced and beautiful gifts here and feel great knowing that they are unique works made by local artists and not just another bit of landfill shipped from half way around the world. Definitely a place to find lovely things that are hand made, well made and one of a kind.

This is a really wonderful art gallery, featuring original artwork from hundreds of American artisans, many of whom are local. It’s a perfect place to go to find a unique gift item for a friend, or something special to wear or decorate your home.
Come here to browse a diverse array of crafts, from ceramics to clothing to woodwork, metal work, mirrors, frames, knits, glasswork, paper and cards, etc. The store takes up 3 full floors packed with creativity.
The prices are not always cheap, but they rarely are when you’re supporting local artists instead of buying from the usual corporate chains. This is the place to come to splurge on somethng special. I bought my best friend’s wedding gift here, and it couldn’t have been a better choice.
Best of all, this place is completely artist owned and operated, so the staff are helpful and so interesting to talk to and learn about. Come check it out and show the artist community some love!