Florida buzzes with creativity, but many people struggle to find real handmade treasures. They search big stores for unique items, yet end up with mass-produced goods that lack heart.
This leaves them wanting more connection to local makers and their stories.
One group keeps this spirit alive through the Southern Handcraft Society, a non-profit that preserves handmade crafts in Pembroke Pines. This blog post spotlights Florida’s top artisans and markets.
It shows you ways to join events, buy crafts, and support these creators.
Discover their world now.
Key Takeaways
- The Southern Handcraft Society, a non-profit with six chapters in South Florida, holds monthly meetings for Chapter One on the first Tuesday at 6:30 PM in Pembroke Pines and hosts the annual “Holiday Fantasies” Craft Show in October featuring items like quilts and jewelry.
- Key West Artisan Market runs Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM at Higgs Beach from October to April, with 2025 pop-ups including Father’s Day on June 8, Independence Key Lime on July 6, and themed events supporting causes like Reef Relief on April 13.
- Martin Artisans Guild’s Annual Summer Salon opens July 16, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM in Stuart, FL, featuring juried small artworks by artists such as Barbara Bucci, Chris Kling, and Lynn Morgan, running until August 30.
- Notable artisans include Lynn Morgan, a member of the National Association of Women Artists with 415 Facebook followers, crafting bags and oil paintings; Grace Cormier with Japanese Boro-art at Gallery 14’s exhibit from June 5 to September 6, 2025; and Kevin Wilson creating metal sculptures like “Freedom” priced from $300 to $2,900.
- Gallery 14 in Vero Beach hosts First Friday receptions on July 11, August 1, and September 5, 2025, from 5 to 8 PM, showcasing works by artists including Terry Green and Viola Pace Knudsen in mediums like ceramics and sculpture.
Highlighting Florida’s Artisan Markets
Florida’s artisan markets pulse with energy from local creators. They offer spaces where people connect over handmade goods and fresh ideas.
Key West Artisan Market: Seasonal Pop-Ups and Community Themes
The Key West Artisan Market operates on select Sundays from October to April, running from 10 AM to 2 PM at Higgs Beach in Key West, FL. Organizers provide free admission and parking.
They encourage visitors to bring bikes and reusable bags. This seasonal market features local vendors who sell crafts, art, jewelry, seafood, cheeses, breads, and fresh Florida produce.
Food and beverages include farm-fresh produce, pastries, coffee, juices, Bloody Marys, and mimosas from Great Events Catering. The pet-friendly community event sits near Higgs Beach Dog Park, West Martello Tower, and White Street Pier.
Key West Wildlife Center gives free donation-based tours during market events.
Seasonal pop-ups extend the fun beyond the main season. The Father’s Day Pop-Up Market happens on June 8, 2025. Independence Key Lime Festival Edition occurs on July 6, 2025. Lobster Best Edition takes place on August 10, 2025.
The Conch Republic Edition on April 27, 2025, hosts over 80 local vendors. Themed editions promote unity and fundraising for key causes. One edition on April 13, 2025, supports ocean protection with Reef Relief.
Another on April 6, 2025, aids child abuse prevention through Wesley House Family Services. The March 30, 2025, edition raises LGBTQ+ community awareness with Key West Business Guild.
Southern Handcraft Society: Preserving Traditional Crafting
The Southern Handcraft Society operates as a non-profit group with six chapters across South Florida. This organization preserves traditional arts through craftsmanship and community efforts.
Members focus on handmade items that showcase creativity. They hold monthly meetings for Chapter One on the first Tuesday at 6:30 PM. These gatherings take place at the Carl Shechter Southwest Focal Point Community Center in Pembroke Pines.
Each meeting offers light refreshments and a business session. Participants enjoy show-and-tell segments to share their work. A craft raffle adds excitement to the events. Everyone joins a “make it and take it” project to build skills.
SHS hosts its annual Holiday Craft Show called “Holiday Fantasies” every October at the community center. This event features handcrafted quilts, paintings, knitted goods, beaded jewelry, chocolates, jellies, and baked goods.
Artisans sell these items to support fundraising. The society aids Women in Distress by making care packages with toiletries and small toys. Membership spans generations; it welcomes teens to great-great-grandmothers.
Beginners and experienced artisans join easily. People contact Karen Mansfield at 954-470-9014 for details. They also attend a monthly meeting to learn more.
Martin Artisans Guild: Showcasing Local Masterpieces
The Martin Artisans Guild showcases local masterpieces through its juried exhibitions. This group highlights Florida’s artisan markets with creativity and craftsmanship. Artists display their works in the renovated Artisans Boutique at Harbour Bay Plaza in Stuart, FL.
The gallery operates Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 PM.
The guild hosts its Annual Summer Salon, which opens July 16, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. This first open juried exhibit features small, square artworks in various mediums. Notable participating artists include Barbara Bucci, Barbara Fugazzotto, Carolyn Walsh, Chris Kling, Curt Whiticar, Glen Allen, James J.
DeMartis, Jane Baldridge, Jennifer Sky, Jose Farinos, Judi LeBlanc, Kimberly Beltrame, Laura Kay Whiticar Darvill, Lynn Morgan, Martha Quigley, Michaelann Bellerjeau, Sheryl Levine, and Stephen Fry.
A “Meet the Artists” event occurs August 6, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The exhibition runs from July 16 to August 30, 2025.
Notable Florida Artisans
Florida boasts talented craftspeople who shape unique works from local materials. These creators blend skill with passion to inspire visitors and buyers alike.
Lynn Morgan: Handmade Designer Bags and Fine Art
Lynn Morgan crafts handmade designer bags and fine art with true originality. She produces original artworks in pastel and oils. These pieces feature landscape art, figurative art, and abstract art.
Her artistry shines in every painting and craft item. She draws from fine arts traditions to blend creativity and skill.
Lynn Morgan serves as a signature member of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA). She also joins the Artists Guild of the Boca Raton Museum of Art. Her Facebook page for Lynn Morgan Fine Art attracts 415 followers.
People visit her official website at LynnMorganGallery.com. They contact her through info@LynnMorganGallery.com for more on her oil paintings and crafts.
Grace Cormier: Japanese Boro-Art and Textile Restoration
Florida artisans like Lynn Morgan inspire with their handmade bags and fine art. Grace Cormier adds to this creative mix through her focus on Japanese Boro-art and textile restoration.
She crafts fiber art that honors cultural heritage. Her pieces feature Boro textiles and Sashiko stitching. These methods create handcrafted art with a contemporary twist.
Gallery 14 in Vero Beach showcases Grace Cormier’s work in its summer exhibit. This art exhibition runs from June 5 to September 6, 2025. It includes her alongside other artists. The opening reception happens next Friday.
Visitors see her notable Florida artisan contributions up close. Her textile restoration efforts preserve traditions in Vero Beach.
Kevin Wilson: Metal Sculptures Reflecting Modern Aesthetics
Kevin Wilson founded Surreal Metal Art. He focuses on metal sculptures that reflect modern aesthetics. Wilson creates these works from upcycled and new materials. He uses stainless steel, copper, brass, and aluminum in his artistry.
His process starts with vision development. Then, he cuts, forms, welds, sands, and polishes the metal. Wilson draws inspiration from modern metal artists. His aerospace background also fuels his creativity.
Gallery 14 in Vero Beach exhibits Wilson’s metal sculptures from June 5 to September 6, 2025. Featured artworks include “Freedom” and “Dark Waters.” Prices range from $300 to $2,900.
Wilson views art creation as therapy. He encourages aspiring artists to persevere through challenges. His metalwork showcases upcycling and welding skills. Exhibitions highlight his inspiration and therapeutic approach to sculpture.
Collaborative Community Events
Florida artisans join forces in events like First Friday Gallery Strolls at Gallery 14 in Vero Beach, where visitors stroll through vibrant displays and connect with creators. Themed artisan markets also build unity and raise awareness for local causes.
Discover more ways these events spark creativity by reading on.
First Friday Gallery Strolls at Gallery 14 in Vero Beach
Gallery 14 in Vero Beach hosts First Friday receptions. These events occur on July 11, August 1, and September 5 from 5 to 8 PM. They take place during the summer exhibit. The exhibit runs from June 5 to September 6 in 2025.
It showcases fiber art by Grace Cormier. Visitors see metal sculpture by Kevin Wilson. The display includes photography by Mike Ricciardi and John Sinclair. Ceramics by Terry Green appear in the exhibition.
Basketry by Viola Pace Knudsen draws attention. Mixed media by Carol Staub completes the lineup. Gallery 14 presents a variety of art forms. Artists create watercolor pieces. They produce acrylic works.
Oil paintings hang on walls. Paste art adds texture. Mixed media combines elements. Assemblage builds structures. Collage layers images. Sculpture forms three-dimensional pieces. Art glass shines brightly.
Ceramic items show craftsmanship. Jewelry sparkles in cases.
Featured artists at the gallery include Lila Blakeslee. Barbara Du Pont contributes her talent. Barbara Landry shares her vision. Mary Ann Hall displays her creations. Deborah Morrell Polackwich adds unique styles.
Dorothy Napp Schindel manages the space. Walford Campbell crafts bold works. Jim Cohoe experiments with forms. Melanie Denison focuses on details. Joan Earnhart inspires viewers. Terry Green molds clay.
Viola Pace Knudsen weaves baskets. Jessica Leto explores colors. Mia Lindberg innovates designs. Francis Mesaros captures emotions. Michael Robinson builds installations. Evan Schwarze pushes boundaries.
Carol Staub mixes materials. Jo Zaza serves as artist-sales associate. The gallery sits at 1911 14th Ave in the Historic Arts District of Vero Beach. People contact it at 772-562-5525.
They email dnschindel@gmail.com for details. Summer hours in June and July run Thursday and Friday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Saturdays open from 11 AM to 3 PM. Appointments work for other times.
Regular hours cover Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Saturdays extend from 10 AM to 4 PM. The gallery closes Sundays and Mondays unless by appointment. These receptions build community ties through art.
Themed Artisan Markets Promoting Unity and Awareness
The Creative Together Market hosts themed events that build community unity and raise awareness. Organizers schedule exciting themes like Princess and the Frog on August 2, Haunted Mansion on September 6, Pirates of the Caribbean on October 4, Toy Story Toyland Christmas on November 1, and Frozen on December 6.
Past events featured Beauty and the Beast on June 7 and Wall-E on July 12. Attendees RSVP for these markets and enter drawings for prizes. People connect with local artisans at these collaborative gatherings.
They purchase handmade items, art, home décor, and gourmet treats.
Themed decorations and live jazz music create a vibrant atmosphere. This market promotes unity through shared experiences. Artisans collaborate to showcase their work and inspire awareness.
Creative Together Market earned recognition as a protected brand in 2025. These events strengthen Florida’s creative bonds. Artisans play a key role in sustainability and culture next.
The Role of Artisans in Sustainability and Culture
Florida artisans advance eco-friendly methods and guard the state’s rich traditions through their work. Read on for deeper insights.
Promoting Sustainable Crafting Practices
Artisanship tackles climate change and environmental degradation. It promotes ethical consumption and upcycling. Artisans create products that stress quality, supply chain transparency, and local materials.
The artisan movement backs ethical sourcing and transparency. Upcycling transforms waste into art. This process boosts creativity and cuts environmental impact.
Community workshops and collaborative projects build appreciation for traditional crafts. They raise awareness about sustainability. Engaging with art links youth to their cultural heritage.
It spurs them to act. Cultural festivals honor artisan crafts and youth’s cultural roots. These events foster community engagement in craftsmanship and creative recycling.
Preserving Florida’s Cultural and Creative Heritage
Artisans integrate heritage preservation with innovation to promote sustainability in Florida’s crafts sector. Traditional crafts reflect local cultural identity and generations of skills.
These crafts face challenges from technological advancements and mass production. Digital technologies provide opportunities to preserve traditional knowledge and boost craft education.
Sustainability frameworks like circular economy principles align traditional crafts with global sustainability goals.
Policy recommendations foster resilience and innovation in the craft sector. Education and collaboration among artisans, educators, and policymakers support the future of traditional crafts.
The proposed roadmap ensures the longevity and relevance of traditional crafts in Florida. This approach strengthens artisanship and builds a resilient community.
Supporting and Engaging with Local Artisans
Visitors attend artisan events in Florida and buy handmade items to support craftspeople directly. Read the full blog for more insights.
How to Attend Artisan Events Across Florida
Join the Florida Craft Fair and Festival Vendor Group to find artisan events. This group boasts 4.3K members and stays open to the public for event postings. Check upcoming festivals like “For the Love of Shopping, LLC Fall into the Holidays” on November 9, 2025, in Ocoee, FL.
Plan for the “Fall Harvest” craft fair on October 5, 2025, in DeLand, FL. Attendees verify the legitimacy of vendor opportunities and watch for potential scams. Event listings provide dates, locations, and times for simple event planning.
The 2024 Historic Lincolnville Festival in St. Augustine features live music, art, Southern cuisine, and history.
Participating in these well-attended cultural events boosts community engagement and supports local businesses. People discover handcrafted goods from artisans at these festivals. Small business support grows through active involvement in such gatherings.
Learn ways to purchase and support artisan creations next.
Ways to Purchase and Support Artisan Creations
Communities organize artisan fairs and public art installations. These events promote local artisans and engage residents in creative communities. They support seasonal arts events like festivals and art walks.
Such gatherings increase foot traffic for surrounding businesses and boost small business support. People utilize local e-commerce platforms. These sites give artisans a digital foothold against mass-produced goods.
Buyers purchase handmade goods through these platforms to support local craftsmanship.
Groups host “Meet the Maker” events. These sessions create direct consumer-artisan connections and foster community engagement. Organizers foster cooperative arts spaces and marketing cooperatives.
Such efforts enhance visibility for local creators in art exhibitions and product showcases. They encourage the purchase of handmade creations to back artisans. Venues provide spaces for live demonstrations, like painting or crafting.
They offer small items for sale, from prints to jewelry, at craft fairs and cultural events.
Conclusion
Florida artisans fuel the state’s vibrant creative scene through markets like Key West and groups such as the Southern Handcraft Society. They craft unique items, from handmade bags to metal sculptures, that preserve traditions and promote sustainability.
Local events build community ties and showcase talent in places like Vero Beach. Support these craftspeople by attending markets or buying their works; it proves simple and rewarding.
Ask yourself: How can you join a workshop or visit a pop-up event soon? These actions sustain cultural heritage and boost local economies. Explore more at society websites or artisan guilds for ongoing inspiration; keep the spirit alive with your involvement.