Art Around the Corner: Exploring Local Galleries and Artisan Shops
Calling all art enthusiasts. These incredible art galleries, charming local shops filled with handmade art, and great museums – are the perfect experience for art lovers visiting the Seacoast of New Hampshire.
0.5 miles from Tide House
Barrett Gallery, right in downtown Portsmouth, is a great gallery to check out. They have an awesome mix of artwork from a variety of talented artists. The gallery's spread across two floors, and you’ll find everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry and woodwork. The staff really know their stuff about the artists and their pieces too. Honestly, it feels like it’s geared more toward folks 40 and up, but it's definitely worth checking out.
0.7 miles from Tide House
New Hampshire Art Association is a gallery known for its thoughtfully curated exhibitions, which change frequently to showcase a diverse amount of work. Much of the work on exhibit here is 2D and the gallery is a more intimate size but the work is wonderful. If you want to take a look at what will be on exhibit during your visit check out their website and see what artists are being featured, or pop in during your visit downtown.
0.4 miles from Tide House
Right on Congress Street, this contemporary gallery has a mix of mediums as well as some cool everyday gifts. I am always drawn in by their colorful, captivating window display every time I walk past. Nahcotta is my personal go to shop when I am looking for a unique print or a piece of artwork that is loaded with color. Artists being featured at Nahcotta change every month or so, make sure to check out their site where you are able to view the artist currently being featured.
Less than 500 feet from Tide House
Just steps away from Tide House and attached to the very popular and delicious restaurant Barrio, is 3S Artspace. The exhibits at this gallery change roughly every month, yet the art I’ve seen here is consistently great. At 3S, they host frequent events, all with the added bonus of full bar service. Be sure to check their website during your stay as they feature comedians, guest speakers, meditation, artisan fairs, and much more. Their website makes it easy to buy tickets, or you can just take a short walk to the gallery.
These downtown shops offer a selection of amazing works by local artists.
0.4 miles from Tide House
The Vibe Collective just opened up in 2024 and has a wide variety of some of the most unique and well crafted art I’ve seen around Portsmouth. The staff here are very friendly and helpful, always willing to show you their favorite picks around the shop. Feel free to check out their instagram @thevibe.collective to stay up to date on some of the new work coming into the store. This collection of work ranges from rugs, to pins, to clothing, to unique planters and 3D printed creations. Every time I visit The Vibe Collective I see something that makes me smile.
0.5 miles from Tide House
For jewelry enthusiasts, this charming boutique is a must-visit. Just a short walk from Tide House, it offers a great selection of locally crafted, handmade jewelry in a variety of styles. This is my first stop when I am looking for a new ring or set of earrings. The prices are very reasonable and the selection is incredibly diverse in style. One of my favorite jewelers has to be Jasmine’s Jewels—they make the most stunning and unique flower and resin pieces!
0.5 miles from Tide House
As a lover of handmade pottery this is the place to check out. They display a variety of diverse ceramic artists, each with their own style. Along with ceramics they have many other great pieces to check out from greeting cards, to stuffed animals, to handmade soaps. I would say this is one of the most reasonably priced places to shop for handmade goods in Portsmouth and it is right near the center of downtown.