Artisan Center — Local services in Denver

The Artisan Center is a unique shop that reminds you of the old Cherry Creek neighborhood, and what used to be in the 1970’s and early ’80’s. In those days there were lots of small “mom and pop” shops, and most buildings were only one story tall; only a few rose above two stories high. Many fine and even eccentric stores were founded in the neighborhood then. Some have prospered by moving elsewhere, such as The Tattered Cover, the Wizard’s Chest, and the Welsh Dragon Tea Shop. Most of the others are simply gone now.

The Artisan Center is still there, a corner shop behind a barn door, run by an enthusiastic, chatty, artsy staff. What’s inside?

Jewelry. Journals. Statuettes, stationary. Dishes, decorations, drawings. Candles, cards. Pottery, plaques, puppets. Wooden carvings, wind chimes, whimsical weavings. The Artisan Center lives up to its name; you’ll find original art and artifacts of all kinds and many varieties.

Although the store leans towards items that might mostly interest female shoppers, there are interesting knick-knacks and oddities for men who know how to look for them, and there are interesting toys for all genders and ages. At my house, we have a number of nostalgic wind-up toys bought at the Artisan Center over the years.

The corner window is one of the delights of this shop. It features a monthly display fashioned around original art that is then sold for a worthy cause. The store’s website displays several of the most recent window displays, as well as a listing of all the artists who are featured inside.

Opened in 1977, the Artisan Center occupies the space that housed the Detroit Street Pharmacy many decades before. In fact, the most wonderful part of the Artisan Center is the brick wall outside, to the west of the barn door. There you can find the initials and engraved autographs of Cherry Creek residents, from the old days… from the really old days, the 1920’s and 1930’s! I hope that brick wall, which is an artifact in its own right, will never be painted over or changed in any way.

Parking can be very challenging in Cherry Creek North, as it's called now, but the Artisan Center has two free 30-minute parking spaces directly west of the store building. You are welcome to use them if they are available. There's also always a bowl of free caramels by the register. You are welcome to eat...

I love that the artisan center has great gift ideas for any occasion, however; every time I go I feel disappointed and discriminated against!!! I am never greeted as I walk in but every white person that walks in is greeted. As I’m looking around, I’m never asked how I’m doing or do you need any help!! I went this last time, and again! The same thing! I am being watched more than anything, as if I’m going to steal something!! Hire more friendly people to work there, friendly to all people of different ethnicities!! The tall white lady that walks around is always so uppity and never says a thing to me, now there is another lady who is just as bad!! I will never go there again!!! I will spread the word of how you will be treated if you are not white!! There are more places than...

Walked by this place many times and finally decided to give a try today as I needed a few small gifts. Lots and lots of cute gift ideas for everyone, however you get a crazy cluttered vibe going on. Would be awesome to waste more money here as they do sell many things from locally made artists...but the rude, curt and inattentive staff is not worth putting up with. If someone comes in, it’s nice to at least great them or acknowledge them. If they end of spending money, you should probably be somewhat pleasant, smile, or at least say thank you for coming in. Artisan center won’t be getting anymore business from myself or anyone asking me for my opinion on where to grab a gift in the Cherry Creek...