If you love to shop at one-of-a-kind stores, check out The Gallery Store at the Worcester Center for Crafts, a fabulous curated collection of crafts made by local artists as well as makers from across the country. You can shop in person or online for ceramics, jewelry, fibers, home goods, glassware and more.

There's more to the Center for Crafts than gifts, however. One of Worcester's oldest cultural institutions and one of the first organizations of its kind in the U.S., it was originally founded in 1856 as a place to teach women, many of whom were new immigrants, the skills needed to make and sell handcrafts. The nonprofit, community-based organization continues to provide quality craft education. It also helps artists promote and market their work. The Krikorian Gallery, onsite, is home to changing exhibitions that feature cutting-edge work including art by faculty and students.

Courses and workshops for adults and younger artists of all skill levels cover a wide range of crafts including metalwork, ceramics, glass and photography. You can even sign up for a trial workshop before committing.

*Mobile App Exclusive* - Hold up your phone and click the AR icon to see inside the Worcester Center for Crafts gift shop. The gift shop sells a beautiful and unique selection of arts and crafts made by artists from around the country. Photo courtesy Salisbury Cultural District.

Main photo courtesy Salisbury Cultural District.