​Be a part of the magic...you'll love it here!
***UPDATE***
It is with great joy that I announce my retirement from Artisans at Middle River, effective April 30, 2022.  The website will be taken down at that time.  The best news is that our basket maker, Jennifer Misseri of CT Valley Baskets, has purchased the business so the AMR dream will live on!  Jenny has so many great plans to move the gallery/shop forward with online shopping and other improvements!  Follow her on social media for all the latest info!  It's been such a pleasure to have had this adventure, and to have met each and every one of you!  xoxo, Dot

Our goal is simple...to take your breath away, as soon as you walk in the door!  We have gathered some of the most creative artisans in the area to inspire you, and which allows you to discover amazing gifts for you, your family, and your friends.  

Artisans at Middle River is the culmination of a long-time dream of our Creative Director, Dot Drobney, who has operated a series of photography studios in Connecticut's northeast corner for almost a decade.  The dream of offering a space to many talented friends, and others, has resulted in a carefully curated gallery with a wide range of products and price points...come and visit...and be wowed.  

Our artisans...

Artisans at Middle River is a small and diverse gallery and is very proud to be hosting thirty-three local artisans - almost all from Connecticut (including several from right here in Stafford Springs!)  two from the Berkshires, and one from NY state.  We also have a few wholesale accounts with products made in New Hampshire and Vermont, and from Portland, Oregon.  Our products range from herbs/soaps/teas to art prints and photography.  We have jewelry from wood, paper beads, crystals, and exotic findings from all over the world.  You will find wind chimes from upcycled materials, laser-engraved wooden and bamboo products, textiles including Shibori dyed indigo/eco-prints/block printing, woven reed and rope baskets and home goods.  There are exquisite wooden pieces with intricate dotted designs, tutus and other children's wear, Misfit and Comfort owls, puppies, and kittens, and wonderful wooden signs with uplifting messages.  We now carry local maple syrup, honeys, candles, and some amazing nut butters, too!  Artisans' displays and inventories are updated frequently, so stop in often to shop for gifts for those special people in your life...or something just for you!!  

**Update** - in these times of the COVID pandemic, you can be sure that your safety and ours are foremost in our minds.  We have completed the self-certification to conform with health and safety guidelines put out by the State of Connecticut, so we have a sneeze guard at the checkout counter, we've restructured our floor plan for social distancing, and masks are required along with use of hand sanitizer as you enter the shop.  We are sanitizing common areas, such as door handles and the credit card chip reader area, constantly during the day.  We also offer online ordering through our Facebook page - there is a video there showing our current displays and items available for sale.  We also offer curb-side pickups, and local deliveries...and can ship orders around the continental US.  Recent orders have gone off to Texas, California, and a couple places in Georgia, so feel free to see what we can do for you!!  We look forward to seeing you back in the gallery/gift shop.  Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for the latest info!  

How to find us...

It's easy...take I-84W to exit 70, and head north on Rt. 32, which becomes Main Street in Stafford Springs - just go around the fountain and head up Main to #60.  If local, Route 190 will bring you into town from either Somers/Enfield to the west, and Union to the east, and Route 32S will also bring you into town from the Monson/Palmer, MA area.  GPS will sometimes take people to East Main or West Main, but we are right on Main in this vibrant, artistic community!  Make a day of it - there are other great shops and restaurants in the area.  
60 Main Street
Stafford Springs, CT  07076
860.933.3653
artatmiddleriver@gmail.com