| COVID-19 response actions (5/14/21 update) In light of the most recent announcements by the CDC and Governor Whitmer, we thought we’d hop on here and give you an update on how we plan to proceed. For the safety of our staff and our wonderful customers, we will continue to require masks to be worn at all times while shopping with us in-store until further notice, regardless of vaccination status. For those who wish to shop maskless, we encourage you to shop online and take advantage of our free curbside pickup. Until we have a little more information and guidance on how to safely implement and enforce the latest from our government officials, we will operate with an abundance of caution. Thank you for continuing to keep us and each other safe; we can’t wait until we can all see each other’s smiling faces once again! *********************** We follow all recommendations from the State of Michigan and/or Washtenaw County with regards to COVID-19 safety precautions for our guests and ourselves. ~ In-store capacity is limited to 8 guest at a time. ~ Hours of operation are reduced to allow more time for disinfecting each day. ~ Anyone with special needs (including the elderly) may make an appointment to shop before or after regular store hours. ~ Shop safely in-store or on our website, with curbside or in-store pickup, or shipping.. ~ Local, hands free delivery is available when possible. ~ Hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol is available at several places in the shoppe. ~ Social distancing of at least 6 feet is required and the floor is marked for guidance. We have widened our ailes to make it easier to maintain distance. ~ Acrylic panels hang at the register where distancing is not always possible. ~ Clean cotton gloves are provided for trying on jewelry. ~ Signage detailing COVID-19 safety protocol is in several places inside and out of the shoppe. & of course Masks are required for all staff and visitors at all times. ~ All staff are instructed not to report to work if they believe they might have been exposed to COVID-19 or have a fever or any other possible symptoms. ~ In the event of possible exposure, staff must self- isolate for 12 days, be tested, or be certain that they were not actually exposed. ~ If one of us tests positive, we will report it immediately to the health department, each of our co-workers, and any other possible contacts. ~ A physicians' approval and negative test are required before returning to work. Thank you so much for supporting this small, local business during such a challenging time. We've been so touched by the outpouring of concern and kindness so many of you have shown us. Remember that when you support us you are supporting the artist/makers that we represent too.
Gift Certificates are a great way to help your We reserve the right to close without notice if we |
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.
Return Policy
Refunds within 2 weeks of purchase with receipt.
Exchanges or Store Credits within 4 weeks of purchase, with receipt, unless other arrangements are made in advance.
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. 
Also see the expanded interview Detroit Performs did with Jill HERE.