ST. JOHNSBURY - Under the familiar purple awning on Railroad Street lies a world of handmade treasures from all over Vermont. The Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild is home to some of the most unique pieces of artwork from around the state.

The guild has 100 members who each create their own unique crafts. Some members volunteer their time working the shop front, and in turn become board members.

Being able to sell your work in the guild's shop is not as easy as placing your crafts on a table. Members must go through a jury of peers to get their work featured in the shop. Every month the jury (made up of guild members) will judge the artisans and their artwork based on the price range, originality, and how similar the work is to other crafts featured in the store. For example, if an artisan is looking to have their blown glass featured in the guild and the guild already has enough blown glass, they will not choose that artist for that month. This peer jury helps keep the guild’s shop from having too much of the same thing at a given time.

Some of the items that are currently featured in the artisan’s guild include traditional crafts like pottery, paintings, jewelry, and blown glass. However, unique crafts like painted gourds, Jurassic (landscape inspired) pottery, and funky hats are just as easily found.

Those who are lucky enough to get their work featured in the shop give a portion of their proceeds to the guild. Members who volunteer at the shop give only 20% of their profit to the guild, members who don’t volunteer give 30% to the guild, and non-members give 40% to the guild. This ensures that the guild is well maintained, as they have no other source of income.

Though the Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild does receive a lot of attention from tourists, their main source of support is from local Vermonters.

“We are supported by local people and it feels like a validation of what we do. Work here is made by hand, with love, and the people who support us are our neighbors, and our friends, not just people passing through with a lot of money,” said Susan Duckett, a board member of the Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild.

The guild also has a back room gallery in addition to their shop. The gallery has been home to the creations of many talented Vermonters. These creations have included paintings, photographs, and even birdhouses. From November 26^th to January 6^th the gallery becomes the location of the annual holiday sale.

The Northeast Kingdom Artisan’s Guild (and the gallery) is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.