Your kindness and appreciation have gotten us through many challenges and we’ve always said we have the world’s best customers and community. So it makes us especially sad to announce that we will be closing our doors permanently in mid-April, 2025. We are doing well, but owner Jill Damon, is ready to retire and get back to creating her own work. Join us for a Celebration of 50 Years in Ann Arbor on March 2, 2025 from 11am - 5pm.  Please stop by ~ share memories, enter some fun drawings, and pick up a few pieces you’ve had your eye on, now at deeply discounted prices ~ All are welcome. Please be aware that starting Saturday, February 1st, 2025 all sales will be FINAL.  The last day for returns or exchanges of purchases prior to February 1st will be Friday, February 14th, 2025.

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:

Starting Saturday, February 1st, 2025 all sales will be FINAL.