Whether you’re a crafter yourself or just enjoy seeing other people’s amazing creations, Merrimack Valley is the place for craft lovers. There are museums for quilters, independent art studios, and even a ranch where alpaca wool-knitted goodies can be purchased.
Chelmsford Center for the Arts
Chelmsford Center for the Arts in Chelmsford is an incredible place for arts and crafts. It’s where the community comes together to celebrate the arts, as the CCA offers new and exciting opportunities.
You can sign up for classes to flex your creative muscles. You’ll work on a different painting every month with the painting classes. If you’re into textile arts, you can sign up for the group craft classes to create various projects. Then there are the seasonal crafting classes, where you’ll get to work with an assortment of materials to make unique creations.
Harvard Alpaca Ranch
Ever wonder where the best wool comes from? Many say it comes from alpacas! Harvard Alpaca Ranch in Harvard is a beautiful, earth-friendly home to a herd of happy and healthy alpacas. You can schedule a tour of the farm and visit the alpacas on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at no charge – just a suggested donation.
Another way to support the ranch and the alpacas that live there is to pay a visit to the Alpaca Shop. Craft lovers will absolutely adore the expanding and ever-changing inventory of alpaca-related products. There are beautiful crafts made in the U.S.A. and South America. For those who like to create their own goods, you can purchase yarn spun from wool sheared from the farm’s very own herd.
The Brush Art Gallery and Studios
The Brush Art Gallery and Studios in Lowell are where working artists come together to make art accessible to the community through exhibits, classes, and conversations. The artists that rent the studios produce paintings, sculptures, jewelry, quilts, textiles, and other amazing forms of art you can view and even purchase.
The classes and demonstrations available at The Brush can elevate your artistic skills to the next level, or just be a great way to have some fun. Whether you’re a beginner or an old pro, you could learn something new and gain inspiration for your next project.
New England Quilt Museum
Quilting has been a popular craft for centuries, and craft lovers can appreciate the work that goes into it. At the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, you can see an incredible collection of quilts made throughout history and from across the globe. From beautifully preserved antique quilts to more contemporary creations, crafters will be left in awe at the gorgeous textile work on display.
On your way out, be sure to stop by the museum store. There’s a large selection of handcrafted quilts and other unique crafts that you’re sure to love. You can show off your beautiful new quilt when your friends next visit your home to ask about your recent trip to Merrimack, or you can buy one as a gift for a crafty friend.
Merrimack Valley is a fabulous place for craft lovers due to the abundance of creative artists that call it home. Plan your visit today and check out the amazing homemade goods you can buy and inspiring classes you can take.
