Welcome! Artisans & agency carries a wide selection of the best of American made, local artwork and design inspired items. The products we carry are to be used and enjoyed – from preparing food on a beautiful wooden cutting board to sipping coffee in the perfect ceramic mug, or wearing a pair of one of kind earrings. Artisans and agency is the place to find the perfect gift for anyone, including yourself!
Artisans has been in downtown Santa Cruz since 1976 – its first incarnation was as an artists’ cooperative. On October 17, 1989, Santa Cruz was hit by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake, which destroyed much of downtown. The artists of the cooperative felt they had to disband. Fortunately, John and Juleen Lisher, local members of the downtown community, were determined to revive the store that had become a fixture of Santa Cruz. As Santa Cruz slowly recovered from the earthquake, the Lishers slowly expanded the size and scope of the gallery to carry artists from all over North America. In 1993, the Lishers hired 16-year old Linnaea Holgers (James). In February of 2009, Linnaea celebrated her 16-year anniversary with the store by purchasing Artisans.
In 2015, Linnaea and her husband Peter expanded Artisans scope to include Agency featuring contemporary home goods and lifestyle accessories, And in 2021 they launched Christiania Bikes America from Denmark. Look for one of these design icon bikes out front or around town doing deliveries! Artisans & agency is located in the heart of the downtown Santa Cruz. Abbott Square and the Museum of Art and History are right out back, just past our fun rainbow wall. Come and enjoy!
Energy Efficiency for California Business Owners from Ecology Action on Vimeo.