AITB Seeks Local Artisans/Makers

Call to Artisans/Makers
for Art in the Berkshires' new location 
Opening Spring 2026

Art Gallery + Artisanal Shop + Community
8 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA

 

Invitation for artisanal makers to sell their goods at Art in the Berkshires’ new, curated arts space, celebrating the best of art, design, and artistic community in the Berkshires region.

About AITB and its current project

Art in the Berkshires (AITB) began as an online platform built to amplify the region’s artists, makers, and creative businesses—and to make it easier for locals and visitors to discover what’s happening in the arts. In 2026, we’re expanding into a physical location in Great Barrington so we can bring that mission to life in a more tangible way. We aim to open in late Spring 2026 in downtown Great Barrington, MA.

Our new space will be a curated blend of fine art and exceptional artisanal goods, alongside an inviting area for workshops, demonstrations, artist talks, readings, and hands-on learning. We’re building a shop that feels distinctly Berkshires: grounded in craftsmanship, originality, and thoughtful design—where customers can meet the makers, learn the stories behind the work, and bring home pieces that are made with real care.

If you’re a local artisan or artist producing work in the Berkshires (or surrounding regions), we’d love to learn more about what you make and explore whether it is a fit for our opening collection.

Who can apply

To be considered, you must meet these requirements.

Made here: Goods must be produced in Berkshire County or surrounding regions. Western MA + nearby areas in NY/CT/VT are welcome.

Great Barrington exclusive: The goods you propose cannot currently be sold in any other Great Barrington retail business (markets/pop-ups may be discussed case-by-case).  We would be thrilled to have South Berkshire County exclusivity.

Quality + consistency: Products must be finished professionally, reliably repeatable (or clearly labeled as limited/unique), and shelf ready.

What we are looking for

We are actively sourcing goods in the categories below. (If your work doesn’t fit neatly but aligns with our aesthetic and standards, apply anyway – we think outside the box.) ***If you are a fine artist, please see our Call to Visual Artists.

FOR ARTISANAL SHOP:

JEWELRY

  • ·        Handmade works of wearable art

APOTHECARY

  • ·        Candles
  • ·        Scents
  • ·        Face/Body
  • ·        Home Cleaning
  • ·        Soap dish, toothbrush holder, sink accessories

LIBRARY

  • ·        Books
  • ·        Magazines

DÉCOR

  • ·        Vases, Bowls
  • ·        Storage
  • ·        Hardware
  • ·        Baskets
  • ·        Mirrors

TABLETOP

  • ·        Dinnerware
  • ·        Serving ware
  • ·        Kitchenware
  • ·        Flatware
  • ·        Drinkware
  • ·        Pitchers
  • ·        Platters
  • ·        Mugs
  • ·        Bowls

TEXTILES

  • ·        Clothing and personal accessories
  • ·        Pillows (covers)
  • ·        Throws
  • ·        Napkins
  • ·        Bath towels
  • ·        Kitchen towels
  • ·        Rugs

FURNITURE

  • ·        Small tables
  • ·        Seating
  • ·        Cabinetry
  • ·        Shelving

VINTAGE

  • ·        Furniture
  • ·        Décor

OFFICE

  • ·        Tools (tape dispensers, hole punch, staplers, scissors, etc.)
  • ·        Writing surfaces (notebooks, note cards, papers, etc.)
  • ·        Supplies (tape, staples, pins, paper, pens, pencils, etc.)
  • ·        Decorative accessories (for office)

ARTIST SUPPLIES

  • ·        Handmade paints & pigments, mediums+
  • ·        Drawing, painting, & mark-making tools
  • ·        Palettes, boards & surfaces
  • ·        Artist papers & books

 

Additional Notes

  •  For artisanal goods, you’ll need consistent labeling, clear pricing, and professional packaging.
  • Pantry/apothecary applicants should be prepared to share ingredients, allergen info, and required compliance for retail sale.
  • We prioritize makers who can support a reliable restock cadence (even if small-batch).


How the Selection Works

Step 1 — Apply: Send the requested info (listed in the next section below).

Step 2Interview/Presentation: If your work is a fit, we’ll schedule a short meeting (in person or virtual).

Step 3Product Review: We may request samples or a small initial order to confirm quality and customer fit.

Step 4Placement: Selected makers will receive onboarding details (packaging, pricing, restock rhythm, and agreements).

What to Submit (Email Application)

Please copy this list into an email, answering the following:

1.      Business/Artist name + contact info

2.      Where your goods are produced (town + region/county)

3.      We love products with a positive impact. Are there any ‘good-for-people/planet/animals’ aspects of your work you’d like us to highlight?

4.      Confirmation of South Berkshire County exclusivity. Please list your stockists/locations in or near Berkshire County

5.      Product lines you want to propose (from the category list above)

6.      Price list (retail + wholesale if available) and minimums. Are you able to show on consignment for the first 6 months?

7.      Lead times / capacity (how quickly you can restock)

8.      Photos: 5–10 strong product images + 1–2 display shots (if you have them)

9.      Website and social media links (or portfolio link)

10.  Any certifications/ingredients info (apothecary/pantry items), plus shelf life

Where to Submit

Email your submission to: Shany@artintheberkshires.com

Subject line: AITB Call to Artisans – [Your Business/Artist Name]

PLEASE SUBMIT BY FEBRUARY 7, 2026. We will review each proposal as it comes in.

Thank you so much for considering applying—we can’t wait to see what you make!

We’ll begin reviewing and responding to applications in February 2026. Response timing will vary depending on the number of submissions we receive, but we truly appreciate your patience as we work through them.

Questions?