Cottage Street Studios is a collective of artists and makers in Easthampton, Massachusetts, located at 1 Cottage St. The studio space, housed in a historic mill building constructed in 1859, has served as a creative hub since the late 1970s, welcoming over 85 artists across disciplines including painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, woodworking, book illustration, and textile arts. The space supports a vibrant community where artists share their work, teach classes, and collaborate in a shared, light-filled environment with high ceilings and access to a loading dock and elevator. Visitors are invited to explore the diverse range of creative practices on display and engage directly with the artists behind the work.
The mill building, originally used for producing batten, twine, and elastic thread, was donated in 1976 by J.P. Stevens Co. to Riverside Industries, a nonprofit that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities through meaningful employment. To help sustain the building’s upkeep, Riverside Industries opened the space to artists, making Cottage Street Studios one of the first converted mill buildings in western Massachusetts to foster a creative community. The original anchor tenant, the New England School of Architectural Woodworking, continues to contribute to the collective’s legacy. The studio’s founding in 1976 marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition of artistic collaboration, innovation, and accessibility in Easthampton.
Cottage Street Studios is situated on Cottage St, just a short walk from Easthampton City Hall and the Easthampton Police Department, with Wilton Brook and Broad Brook flowing nearby. The studio is also steps from Guild Art Supply, a notable public artwork that adds to the neighborhood’s cultural character.
With a 4.40 rating based on reviews, Cottage Street Studios reflects a strong reputation for fostering artistic expression and community engagement. The studio is known for its enduring presence, inclusive environment, and commitment to supporting diverse creative practices in a historic setting. As a cornerstone of Easthampton’s arts scene, it continues to be a vital space where art, history, and collaboration converge.