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Categories: Arts & Crafts, Women's Clothing [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Northern Liberties, Spring GardenTue-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Wow. The hype is true - Art Star is fantastic! This boutique/gallery that's in the Northern Liberties is too cute for words, as are all the items inside! They have fun, funky, cool designs for all the items they offer, from jewelry to men's, women's and even baby's clothing, home goods, and of course ART!
They have these adorable donut-plushies that I saw in Kid Robot in NYC and keep wanting to buy just so that I can look at them, smile, squeeze and giggle at their novelty. And I had to restrain myself from buying several of the baby t-shirts with awesome graphics - I don't have a child, and I don't want to freak my bf out. And the ART!!! The gallery they have in back features some great local artists' work, but they also have a ton of prints you can buy in small, more personal sizes. I fell in love with this one artist's series based off of fairy tales and would LOVE to purchase them all! Most of the prints are super affordable too, so you can deck out your home easily with original art!
If only I didn't live so far away!!!! I need to go back SOON!
If I were writing a textbook about small DIY businesses, Art Star would be the basis for the chapter on retail.
I've been coming to Art Star since they first opened up shop a few blocks away from their present location. Erin and Megan have always been passionate about putting great art in the hands of art lovers, whether it's a $10 pin or a $1,000 painting. It feels more like a studio rather than a staid gallery or packed-to-the-rafters craft shop.
The shop itself is great for browsing, with lots of very well arranged arts, crafts and clothing leading up to a well lit gallery in back. Openings and events are always great fun and awesome people-watching.
The staff are also super fun! They set out candy at halloween, hoping that kids would drop in! It's definitely worth a visit, you'll be hard pressed to leave without something quirky and cool.
how is it possible i haven't raved about art star already? i must make up for lost time!
i've been here for both a reception and browsing. the reception turned into browsing and subsequent browsing turned into shopping. it's inevitable.
i never see jewelry i like. never. i walk into art star and voila, jewelry i like! not to mention amazing prints, fun stationery, buttons, dolls, housewares, clothing, accessories and so on and so forth.
the owners are very kind individuals who provide excellent customer service and are happy to answer your questions. no attitudes here, just friendly smiles.
love it.
Though they probably don't need it, Art Star is a great gallery and shop. The owners are the friendliest and their selection is not found anywhere else. Great GREAT place for shopping for fun or unique gift.
Cuuuuuute!
Art Star is adorable! I wanted everything, but settled on a card I'm going to frame and pretend is a piece of art. It should be relatively easy to find a gift here for a young adult. Prints are reasonably priced, even the originals are not exorbitantly expensive. From the jewelry to the foodstuffs crafted from felt, everything looks lovingly handmade. Also, they have a wonderful selection of holiday cards and ornaments this time of year.
The best thing about the start of summer is the annual Art Star Craft Bazaar, where tons of indie artists/jewelrymakers/designers/you name it gather from across the country for one weekend to sell their really awesome stuff. Art Star hosts/organizes the event, and these ladies have a great eye; everything is so cool and unique. I left the past 2 years with jewelry & art I am still in love with. Last year it was huge (at Penn's Landing), and I can't wait for this year's event.
The shop recently moved from Liberties Walk to 2nd St. in Northern Liberties, and now they have room to breathe. More room to maneuver, more cool stuff. Go and support local and independent artists.
I went here for the first time a couple of days ago and I was very impressed! I loved the shop it was so clean and had so much natural light. Everything was organized and on top of that the staff are incredible nice and helpful. If you ever want to go to a really cool shop offering stuff from smaller artists go here. I think the prices are just fine as well. I see the price range is rated high but really for art work this place is cheap.
Now this is indeed a fun Art Star. I didn't go into it too much when it was in Liberties Walk. But since it's moved a few blocks away I'm pretty sure that it has gotten even bigger and has bought in a whole lot more cool stuff.
when I walked in I was instantly welcomed by a cool arts chick. I feel that every good establishment needs to have one (not saying that as an off putting thing, I'm just a fan) So I loved that they had one there. and when I walked around I saw all kinds of cool things. There was a lot more screen printed things than I would have liked to have seen. But The awesome Art Star Crafts Bazaar that they hosted awhile back had me prepared for it. and hot damn where were the original artworks smoking. Let's just say that when I'm rich I may just buy out the store. I definitely recommend going here when you're looking to kill some time, or when you're blooking to buy a unique gift for a friend.
I am not lying when I say that Art Star is my favorite shopping destination in Philadelphia. I seriously can't go in there without walking out with at least one item...bad for my wallet, but good for Art Star (yesterday, it was a handmade mug imprinted with the words "I love you more than zombies love brains." It's an anniversary gift for my husband. Don't tell him, I want it to be a surprise!)
For those not familiar with the store, it sells handmade indie goods made by artists from Philadelphia and all over the country -- necklaces, baby clothing, wallets, stationery, shadow puppets, keyrings, skirts, clutches, cufflinks, tea towels, rubber stamps, stuffed toys, embroidery kits, and much much more. If you have ever poked around on http://etsy.com and thought "I wish I could try that necklace on so I could see how it really looks on me," then Art Star is your place. The owners have great taste and they frequently add new artists to their roster. In addition, they have a gallery space with rotating exhibitions, so you can go and check out some art while you're debating about whether you really need that cute t-shirt with the octopus on it (psst...you should get it! you'll get lots of compliments!)
Art Star used to be located on Liberties Walk, which was a good enough space but very cramped. A few months ago, they moved south on Second Street into a fantastic new space near Spring Garden. The new store is bright, high-ceilinged and airy, and allows for an expanded exhibition area. I love it and the owners do too.
I should add that Art Star is the organizer of the fabled Art Star Craft Bazaar, which runs for one weekend each May. It's an open air craft extravaganza, not to be missed. I do my summer gift shopping at the craft bazaar and my christmas shopping at the store.
I love this store. I used to go to their Liberties Walk location every single time I needed to buy someone a gift, and I always saw stuff that I made mental notes to come back and buy when I had some money to spend on myself. Moving to a bigger store on 2nd street was great for them, I think the exposure people passing by 2nd & Fairmount is invaluable. They've just got stuff I've never seen anywhere else. A really unique place, you have to check it out.
You know why I LOVE Art Star so much?
Because my favorite artist, Kurt Halsey, does an expo there almost EVERY year. (His art is there until July 13th, so feel free to swing by and check it out).
They are so friendly and inviting inside. Seriously. Love them. And their handmade goods are amazing. A bit pricey but amazing none the less.
Incredible selection of handmade goods, clothing, stationery in a beautiful, old open building. Excellent art shows and gallery. Erin and Megan seem like such cool ladies (and are extra nice). I never miss it when I'm in the Liberty neighborhood. Went to the Art Star Craft Bazaar and was blown away by the selection of booths and goods. They make me wish I lived in Philly!
EDIT - June 2008: I just participated in the Art Star Craft Bazaar again, and it was even better this year! Yay!
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I love Art Star! I just participated in their ArtStar Craft Bazaar, and it was an amazing outdoor indie craft extravaganza Yeah!
The store itself is great-- lots of adorable tees and altered clothing, beautiful ceramics, great prints, fun jewelry, and all kinds of other awesome handmade trinkets and things...it made me wish I was Christmas shopping because I found so much great stuff!
If I lived in Philly I'd come here all the time-- the Liberties Walk area where it's located is so cute, and seems very up and coming...the owners definitely picked a great spot for their awesome shop!
i love that they are helping out the little guy, the handmaker, cool kid sitting at home dreaming up art. those are all wonderful things, right??
now, if only the folks who worked there had a bit less attitude, they'd be perfect. until that day, though, i'll be ordering directly from the artists themselves, or going to omoi.
If you're looking for a weird hand-made piece of art/ wallet/ stuffed animal, Art Star is your place.
Admittedly, maybe I'm not "hip" enough, but I think these pieces are a little off the scale for even the trendiest/cutting edge yuppie who wants to support local artisans.
edit: I've been back a couple more times and they've either toned down the weirdness into kitchy-cool, or I've become more hip. I suspect it's probably a little of both-oh yeah
Whenever I'm in Northern Liberties, I always make it a point to check out Art Star. Without fail, I get a good laugh or smile out of it and usually walk away with a a wonderful handmade item. This place has a great vibe, friendly staff, unique items - and best of all, by buying something from them, you support the local art scene. Don't miss out on the Art Star Craft Bazaar - it's huge and full of crazy, beautiful, fun arts & crafts. Remember to bring lots of cash because you'll need it!
Art Star makes me happy. Located on Liberties Walk, it's a beautiful space filled with handmade things that are super unique and full of good energy. This is the perfect place to come if you want to get a gift for someone who appreciates the specialness of a handcrafted item. Lots of cool art, jewelry, clothes and home accessories that are super cool and showcase the work of some amazing local artists. We need more stores like Art Star!!!
I totally love Art Star. Not only are the owners the nicest gals you'll ever meet, they have a great eye for interesting things. Everything in the shop is handmade or produced in small quantities by artists, so it's full of things you won't find anywhere else. The new space is fantastic - much bigger than the space on Liberties Walk. It's a great place for gifts, and I love to know I'm supporting an independent local business who is in turn supporting artists. Yay for Art Star!
This is one fine gallery owned and operated by two lovely ladies! Art Star is a fellow DIY-er's dream because it sells handmade goods by some fabulous artists. Some of the artists are local while others are not. Some are up-and-coming while others are already established. The variety is what makes Art Star a fun place to shop! Also, it's one of my favorite places to shop for jewelry. Check out a gallery opening, too, if you get the chance! They're always a good time --- full of live music, food, drinks, and good people.
art star is such a lovely place! it has great art (the gallery recently showed art by camilla engman, who is one of my favorite artists), a great store full of interesting art and other knicknacks, and friendly staff! five star for art star!
Terrific selection of art and crafty items for the hipster in your life. The prices aren't bad, either. Find a one-of-a-kind wallet, shirt, necklace, or set of dishes for a friend or for yourself. Interesting art on the wall for sale as well.
I did a good bit of my christmas shopping at this place, some porcelain and baby cloths. Everything seemed kind of expensive, but I guess that's art. There's definitely lots of things with animals, skulls, and things best described as "cute."
Art Star single-handedly turned around my friend's opinion of the Northern Liberties. She had an image of the Northern Liberties in her mind of an expanse of dreadful, dead urban decay with no redeeming qualities. Upon stepping off of the el train, though, I encouraged her to walk up 2nd St with me and navigated toward Art Star. She absolutely fell in love with the place which made her want to explore the neighborhood more and she now actually finds the area enjoyable. Strange but true. Anyone who sets foot inside would agree with me that it's not hard to see why someone would be all grins while walking through here. It's impossibly cute and refreshing. From the fluffy 'plush animal' food items (I especially liked the plush steak meat character), screen printed shirts and dresses, artsy plates and bowls, handmade greeting cards, and endless handmade crafts, it is endlessly entertaining to browse. This is a must-see location if you're in the neighborhood.
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