Shop Local: Pittsburgh shops for art lovers
Still holiday gift shopping? Whether you’re searching for a relative who already has everything, your BFF who always compliments your exquisite taste (the pressure!), a coworker you barely know, or some end-of-year happiness for yourself (no judgement here, this year has been hard), you’ve come to the right place.
Earlier this week, we highlighted gift ideas made by Pittsburgh-based artists. Now we’re featuring a curated list of local shops and galleries where you can peruse a bunch of rad arts and culture offerings, ensuring you'll not only find something for everyone on your list, but items from Pittsburgh businesses you’ll feel good about supporting.
For your best luck at snagging a holiday gift at one of these shops this late in the game, visit them in person because holiday shipping is no longer guaranteed. (Take it from someone who’s showed up to one too many get togethers where they had to tell someone their gift was “on the way.”)
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
100 43rd St., Lawrenceville. aapgh.org
Every piece in 113 X 113, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh’s current gallery exhibition and online store, is $113, which is a steal considering the high caliber of featured artists. From sculptures by Dan Droz to a shibori dyed and woven scarf by LaVerne Kemp, this collection features an array of different mediums. View the gallery exhibit through December 22 and the online shop through January 5, 2024.
Vault Art Studio
5100 Penn Ave., Garfield. vaultartstudio.org
When you purchase artwork through VaultArt Studio, 100% of the proceeds go back to the artists. The studio is a project of Achieva, which advocates for, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.
Peoples Gas Holiday Market
Market Square, Downtown. downtownpittsburghholidays.com
This annual holiday tradition in Downtown’s Market Square features a bunch of great gift options, including the work of Pittsburgh makers Strawberryluna and Worker Bird, Songbird Artistry, Vessel Studio Glass, Pittsburgh Pottery, and more. Open daily through Christmas Eve.
Argyle Studio
3608 Forbes Ave., Oakland. popupargyle.com
This woman- and Black-owned shop in the city’s Oakland neighborhood features the work of over 30 local artists and makers. From arts and prints to fashion and jewelry, and body and soul to home and office, there’s a little something for everyone.
The Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky St., North Side. stores.carnegiemuseums.org
The Warhol Museum hosts one of my favorite spots to shop at any time of the year. I love kitsch and making folks smile with silly gifts, and it always feels like the museum curated its shop for people like me. Bonus? It also includes items made by Pittsburgh artists like a Pierogi Cat Enamel Pin from Emily Meagher of Shop Emily M. Make sure to visit the shop in person for last-minute gifts – museum admission is not required to shop in the store.
Contemporary Craft
5645 Butler St., Lawrenceville. contemporarycraft.org
This Lawrenceville shop supports both nationally recognized craft artists and emerging talent. Shop in person or online from over 150 artists featuring works in ceramic, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, paper, wood, and furniture. You’ll find works by Pittsburgh artists too, including a ceramic Pennsylvania ornament from Jenna Vanden Brink.
Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media
1047 Shady Ave., Shadyside. pghartsmedia.org
The Shop at PCA&M offers great handmade gift ideas year-round, but they’re also offering an added incentive during the holidays: 15% off your total order if you purchase at least $50 of merchandise from one of their weekly featured categories. That’s Clothing & Accessories through December 15, and Original 2D Works through December 21.
The Government Center
715 East St., North Side. thegovernmentcenter.com
Music is art. No doubt. So show some love for your favorite music lover by grabbing some local vinyl from this rad record shop that aims to be “a hub for people in the community who care about music.”
Heinz History Center
1212 Smallman St., Strip District. shop.heinzhistorycenter.org
The History Center’s store offers a bunch of gift ideas, but one of my personal favorites is their selection of publications for your favorite Pittsburgh history buff. Don’t miss Brian Butko’s Isaly's Chipped Ham, Klondikes, and Other Tales from Behind the Counter.
Boheme Shops
5156 Butler St., Lawrenceville. bohemepittsburgh.com
This makerspace offers a selection of wares from over 30 local small businesses including Pittsburgh makers, artists, and vintage curators. Check out ceramic works from Mim’s Ceramics before meeting owner Noa Mims in person this January when they'll be one of the hosts at our inaugural Creative Hive networking event at Silver Eye Center for Photography!
Silver Eye Center for Photography
4808 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. silvereye.org
Speaking of Silver Eye, their online shop features some very cool books and merch. Shopping for a fan of public art? Don’t miss grabbing a signed copy of Pittsburgh-based artist Alisha B. Wormsley’s The People Are the Light, her 2019 publication which documented a series of public art installations and workshops held in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood.
love, Pittsburgh
805 Liberty Ave., Downtown; 1728 Penn Ave., Strip District; and 301 Shiloh St., Mt. Washington. lovepittsburghshop.com
Every time I hit one of these shops with the intention of buying gifts for my friends, I end up leaving with gifts for myself. You’ll understand once you check out some of their locally made offerings, like Pittsburgh Poker Cards from Commonwealth Press, necklaces from Collarbone Jewelry, and candles from North Ave Candles.
Redfishbowl Studios
4327 Butler St., Lawrenceville. redfishbowl.com
This grassroots artist collective provides a creative space for art, music, and performance throughout the year. In their shop, you’ll find both original works of art and prints from a variety of artists including the late Pittsburgh artist Natiq Jalil, a featured Redfishbowl artist who also served on the Arts Council’s Black Arts Action Committee.
Still not finding what you’d like? Check back next week for the final post in our series of Shop Local gift ideas, where we’ll share a list of local arts and culture gift cards, the ultimate for all of you last-last-last minute shoppers. Know an arts and culture organization offering unique gift cards you’d like us to feature? Send me an email!