Spotlight on Brooklyn Collective: shop, sketch or host a party at this local gem, by Marie Hueston

For those readers who are already familiar with Brooklyn Collective — an art gallery and boutique in the Columbia Street Waterfront District — you know that it’s brimming with beautiful things. If you’ve never visited, get ready to find your new favorite spot to shop for handmade gifts, home accessories, and artwork.

Located at 212 Columbia Street between Union and Sackett, the welcoming space showcases the work of 25 local artists. Paintings, prints, pottery, textiles, jewelry, clothing and other items are lovingly curated by owner Tessa Williams, who started the collective in 2004 and moved into the current space in 2010. Artists apply for membership in three month rotations, so the work on display is continually changing. There is also an online store on the Brooklyn Collective website. Artists keep 90 percent of their profits.

In addition to offering unique wares for sale, Brooklyn Collective hosts live community events each month. The events vary and might include opening receptions, poetry readings, sketch nights, and craft classes. Advance registration is required for sketch nights and craft classes to ensure enough room to work for all participants. The craft space can also can be rented for small parties for adults and for children ages 6 and up. The cost for each party will depend on the materials and instruction needed for the craft you’d like to make.

This month, Brooklyn Collective will be hosting two community events (so far): A workshop for cartooning animals with paper cutouts led by artist Gran Guignol on Saturday, March 4 from 11am to 1pm, and a Greek mythology sketch night with artist Maghen Brown on Thursday, March 9 from 6-8pm. You can register for these events through the Brooklyn Collective website.

Whether you are shopping for a gift, looking for a way to promote your artwork, or interested in attending a live event or renting the space, visit www.brooklyncollective.com or stop by to find out more. Store hours are Thursdays and Fridays 5-8pm and Saturdays and Sundays 1-7pm.