History
The Maui Crafts Guild has a rich history. When the guild began, there were no craft stores on the island. Each individual crafts person produced their craft and sold their products through craft fairs, swap meets, word of mouth and whatever other means seemed to work. Crafts were also sold in Fine Art Galleries, but the artisans found it was hard to make a living that way since the selling price of craft items tended to be less than its fine art counterparts. After awhile, the founding members of the guild noticed they would see the same faces selling their wares at the craft fairs around the island. After meeting and discussing their plight, the craft people of Maui joined together and founded the Maui Crafts Guild. It began with 7 members, and after 6 months it incorporated with 30 members. It has been in business for over 25 years and collectors from around the globe return to the store to find exquisite handmade crafts from Maui artisans.
Specialties
Maui's only artist owned and operated Cooperative gallery, the Maui Crafts Guild was established in 1982. We are professional artisans committed to producing fine crafts of excellent quality. We have joined together to form a business that is a viable alternative to regular gift shops, fine art galleries and craft fairs. With about 20 members, the Maui Crafts Guild is a collective of ceramists, wood-workers, printmakers, jewelers, textile artists, photographers, glass artists, basket weavers...and a few who defy classification. Work exhibited in the gallery is selected through a comprehensive jury process that ensures the highest quality and excellence in craftsmanship. The artisans transform everyday materials into creative results, allowing you to quite literally take a piece of Maui home with you. All items are 100% hand-crafted on Maui. The gallery is staffed by guild members, so there is an artisan in residence every time you visit!