Our Story

16 Hands began in 1975 as an artist collective of eight artists. It operated as a co-op for 13 years, exhibiting artwork by its members in a storefront on Washington Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Jill Damon joined 16 Hands in 1978, became sole owner in 1988, and moved the gallery to Main Street in 1990. In the fall of 2011 the shop moved to the Kerrytown Market and Shops - still in downtown Ann Arbor but in a great little historic district called Kerrytown.
16 Hands represents both emerging talent and well known artists/makers, primarily from the US (including many local artists) as well as some from Canada, Europe and several Fair Trade Organizations. The focus of the shop/gallery is on original, finely crafted objects of uncommon quality and character. Jewelry and fashion accessories, unique gifts, decorative and functional items for the home, office and garden are featured. The mix is always changing and evolving.

We believe that just because something is functional, doesn't mean that it cannot also be beautiful, and that beauty, found in nature, art, and even everyday objects enriches daily life. There's something about an object that was made by human hands - it has a personality, it's unique, it has a soul. Would you like to sip your morning coffee/tea from a beautiful mug, with a original design/color/personality, yummy glaze, a handle made to really be held, made by an American potter? Or would you prefer a generic, machine made mug (probably with a wimpy handle) from a big box store.
Our concern for the environment and sustainability is evident in our business plan/operations and also in the many artist/makers we represent who work with reclaimed materials, often in unusual, unexpected ways. We are avid recyclers and have been the recipient of the Washtenaw County WASTE NOT AWARD several times. Most of our gift wrapping papers are made using recycled or sustainable materials - people love our silver and white gift wrap made from limestone and our craft paper wraps.

We delight in mentoring emerging talent as much as in presenting works by nationally known artists/makers to our patrons.

Available Services
Shipping is available. It is calculated by weight in our online store. For shipping quotes on other items, please contact us. 

Gift Wrapping is free of charge on items over $10. If ordering online, please indicate that the item is a gift, and let us know the occasion. We will be happy to gift wrap your purchase before shipping. (some larger items are not available for gift wrapping).

Return Policy
REFUNDS are given only within 2 weeks of purchase with receipt or gift receipt, in the same form of payment as original purchase. EXCHANGES or STORE CREDIT are given for items returned within 4 weeks of purchase.

All Masks, Bandannas, Wearable Accessories and Clothing are FINAL SALE.

Items discounted 30% or more are nonreturnable.

Shipping charges (both to you and back to us) are not refundable, as these fees cannot be returned to us.

Returns of any kind are accepted only with original sales receipt or gift receipt.