It’s no secret…Nevada County is home to a creative bunch. As a visitor, we welcome you to stay awhile and get to know the artisans who make our community unique. Shop our downtown boutiques, galleries, seasonal craft fairs, and tap into a rich vein of local talent you won’t find anywhere quite like this. Here’s a glimpse into what you’ll find here in Nevada County. For a full listing of artists in Nevada County, check out the Nevada County Arts Council Artist Directory.
Nature Inspires Here
Maybe it’s the granite boulders. The steep canyons of the Yuba River. Or perhaps the rugged mixed conifer forests surrounding the historic towns and the iconic mountain backdrop of the Sierra Nevada that draws artisans and craftspeople. Many local makers skillfully channel the beauty of nature into their art – from stone, glass, leather and woodworking, to jewelry, ceramics, hand-tooled knives, handmade clothing, and botanical infusions for bath and body.
Plan a Trip to Nevada City
All year long, you’ll find a shop brimming with curated collections of local and California artisans at Kitkitdizzi, 231 Broad Street. Supporting local artists is central to the shop’s mission and reflective of the spirit of Nevada City’s creative community.
“In this town, time goes a little bit slower. It’s something about this area. People retreat here to make art,” said Carrie Hawthorne who helped start Kitkitdizzi with co-owner Kira Westly 13 years ago.
In the 1970s, many artists relocated to the hills of Nevada County. It’s a bohemian lifestyle and legacy that has been passed down to children and now grandchildren.
Artist Everett Noel who grew up on the San Juan Ridge, has been selling his handmade knives at Kitkitdizzi since he was 14 years old. Now in his 20s, his highly-sought after knives sell out fast and are hard to keep in stock.
“His knives have evolved, and they are incredibly beautiful. We’ve really watched him grow up as a person and perfect his skill,” said Hawthorne.
Popular jeweler Leora Coronel creates design-forward sterling silver statement pieces featuring stones such as turquoise, granite, pearl and onyx. In recent years, she started her popular Yuba line.
“Eight years ago she started making jewelry out of Yuba River rocks that she gathered. That’s become what she’s known for. Her pieces are stunning,” said Hawthorne.
Many past and current employees are artists too. Take ceramicist Dallas Cruickshank of Ripe and Ruin. She uses local clay for her magical mugs and vessels. It’s a symbiotic relationship between shopkeepers and artisans, building a community that brings heartfelt goods to the people – from Fat and the Moon herbal body care to ethically-made, hand-dyed clothing by Of Earth and Salt (also found at the clothing company’s nearby shop located at 576 Searls Avenue.)
“We’ve all grown together. We really love the story we’ve curated with our artists’ help. We’re grateful to be in a community that values handmade things,” said Hawthorne.
Learn more at: Kitkitdizzi
Nevada City Craft Fair
Mark your calendar. Twice a year, dozens of artisans come together under one roof to showcase their wares at the seasonal Nevada City Craft Fair. Held at Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street, in December and May, it’s a time to shop for holiday and Mother’s Day gifts. Look for regular vendors such as Pickle Pottery and The Parlour Vintage.
Learn more at: Miners Foundry
“I love patterns and spend a lot of time hand painting them onto my pottery. I love and embrace the imperfections of handmade items,” said Stephanie Adams who started Pickle Pottery in 2014.
Look closely at her pottery for the “throwing lines” from her fingers and finger marks at the base of each hand-crafted item. Everything is food safe, sturdy and designed for everyday use.
Find Pickle Pottery year round at Kitkitdizze in Nevada City, Gather and Mill in downtown Grass Valley and Bespoke & Atelier in downtown Truckee.
Explore the Creative Side of Truckee
Mountain Arts Collective
Woodworker Dan Gaube creates modern tables, chairs, clocks, lamps, wall art, sculptures, shelving and mirrors using natural elements. He also makes one-of-a-kind mixed media jewelry using abalone, wood, gemstones, metal, and sea glass.
Gaube is the co-owner of Mountain Arts Collective where his original works of art can be found.
Situated in the Train Depot of Historic Downtown Truckee, Mountain Arts Collective was born in 2017 by three local artists wanting to showcase local talent. Their vision was to create dynamic space for residents and visitors, featuring nature-inspired modern works of art that includes weaving and fiber art, photographs, paintings, and more.
Learn more at: Mountain Arts Collective
Riverside Studios
Owned and operated by four local artists – two jewelers, a potter and a leather worker. This award-winning art gallery and gift shop in downtown Truckee started as a working artist studio and focuses on hand-made designs.
Learn more at: Riverside Studios
When in Grass Valley
For years, Cosmic Shark Clothing on Neal Street was the place to go for vintage and screen printed artisan apparel. While the brick and mortar shop is closing its doors in 2025, don’t despair! Tribal Weaver will continue to carry Cosmic Shark items and a collection of printed clothing and totes will be available online at: Cosmic Shark Clothing.
Be sure to stop by Make Local Habit at 112 West Main Street. Here, owner Aria Griffis curates a showcase of over 100 local artists. Coming from a family of artists, Griffis wanted to create a space that gives artists a place to collaborate and bring their work together in one space. The store has a little bit of everything – ceramics, textiles, natural body care, furniture, soap, and jewelry.
“I think we have a thriving arts community here. I get something new every day,” she said. Many of the artists featured in her shop are also featured in the annual Center for the Arts Open Studios Tour.
Look for small batch, natural body products from I Am Element. Cutting boards made from salvaged wood and resin from Whittlesey Wilderness. And prints, cards, and stickers from Ursula Young, the same artist who painted the Lola Montez mural in town.
“This is a really great place to come if you are looking to take a piece of Nevada County home with you,” said Griffis.
Learn more at: Make Local Habit Grass Valley
