Button Factory Open Studios
Celebrate the 23rd Birthday of a Unique
Portsmouth Arts Institution
In 1986 two entrepreneurs, Jim Buttrick and Peter Bowers, saw the opportunity to create an artist community in the Seacoast. Jim and Peter bought the historic Button Factory on Islington Street in Portsmouth. The building, which had seen many uses since the manufacture of buttons for high-button shoes, was given a new purpose - providing studio space for artists and craftspeople. This year the Button Factory celebrates its 23rd anniversary as an artist’s building.

The annual Button Factory Open Studios will be a celebration of the rich artistic talent and resources housed and nurtured in the sprawling red-brick complex. The Open Studios are a chance for members of the community to get an insider’s view of the Button Factory, to see what makes this building and its resident artists so special and to support local artists and craftspeople by purchasing their work.

During Open Studios, nearly 70 artists and craftspeople will show and sell their wares. They include painters, woodworkers (furniture makers, boat builders and toy makers), jewelers, photographers, sculptors, bookbinders, framers, fabric artists, metalsmiths, and more.

Open Studios is a wonderful time to visit the Button Factory workshops and view and purchase beautiful and unique gifts. In keeping with tradition, creative holiday decorations will transform the studios and halls of the Button Factory into a whimsical and fun place to visit and shop.

How to get there: The Button Factory is located on Islington Street in Portsmouth, across from Plaza 800 and the Hannaford Supermarket (formerly Pic 'n' Pay), and a short drive from the Portsmouth Traffic Circle. Map and further directions

Download an Application for Outside Participating Artists/Craftspeople

For more information, contact:

John Rudolph 603.430.9239 Email

Jim Buttrick 617.756.9164 Email

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