What began more than 50 years ago as a small, grassroots group of Florida craftspeople working together for the greater good has developed into one of the state’s most vital craft organizations. Its gallery, situated in a prime spot along downtown St. Pete’s lively Central Avenue arts district, boasts a growing space for exhibits, and a new batch of talent rolls through every few months. What really sets Florida Craftsmen Gallery apart, however, is a generous gift shop showroom that features a wide range of unique, affordable works by member crafters, from functional pieces like ceramic dinnerware, wood keepsake boxes and hand-knit scarves, to the more whimsical toaster lamps, blown-glass flowers and cloisonné jewelry. Most important, the goods are rotated often enough that you can return fairly regularly and still find new stuff to salivate over. Or buy. 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-821-7391, www.floridacraftsmen.net.
This article appears in Sep 13-19, 2006.