Local art as well as other handmade goods will be available at ART STOP on Oct. 17, 2026 in West Hartford.

By Ronni Newton

With the arrival of October the focus is officially on autumn, and the holiday season is also right around the corner.

The WEHA Artists Emporium will be hosting their fall ART STOP on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering the community a chance to shop for local art and other creative handmade goods at a community event that also includes live musical entertainment.

ART STOP will be held at 35 North Quaker Lane, and visitors can expect the works of nearly a dozen artists and makers to be available. “The ART STOP brings together an exciting collection of local artists and makers for an afternoon of shopping, creativity, inspiration, music and community,” organizers said in an announcement. “Visitors can browse everything from mixed-media art, watercolor and photography to candles, textiles, handmade goods, books and more – and enjoy live acoustic music by Brett Trottier.”

Participants include:

• Julie Phillipps – JulieColor | Watercolors & inks
• Stefanie Marco – KiNDSPiN DESiGN | Mixed-media art
• Amy Yungk – Stock the Bar Candles
• Doug Hockman – Doug Hockman Photography
• Kerri Michaud Bagley – Heartstone Gallery
• Monica Whalen – The House She Loved
• Kimberly Heil – Art & Books
• Julia Czarnecki – Knit by JC
• Caresse & Breck – Island of Misfit Crafters
• Annie Hayami – Cyanotype Art
• Jeremy Cosin – Jeremy’s Frindles
• Brett Trottier – Acoustic Music

“When you buy from a local artist, you’re not just buying a gift – you’re supporting someone’s creativity, passion and small business,” said Stefanie Marco of KiNDSPiN DESiGN, a co-founder of the WEHA Artists Emporium. “Artists feel that support in a really personal way, and it means the world to us. So skip the big-box store and give something handmade, meaningful and local this holiday season.”

Marco and WEHA Artists Emporium Co-Founder Julie Phillipps, of JulieColor, said the event is also about spending time together.

“Invite your friends and family and come spend the day with us! ART STOP is all about creativity, inspiration and community, and we can’t think of a better way to enjoy a Saturday together,” said Phillipps.

The event on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be held at a private residence at 35 North Quaker Lane in West Hartford.  Artists will be set up on the front lawn and in the backyard. Parking is safest on Milton Street, followed by a short walk around the corner.

There are no public restrooms available, and the rain date is Sunday, Oct. 18.

The WEHA Artists Emporium expresses thanks to business sponsors:

• Carl Lantz – Coldwell Banker, CT
• Marc Nathan – Total Mortgage, CT
• Stephanie Marshall —–Hang the Moon, TROVE & Tidal River Clothing, Mystic
• Michelle DuBois – Max & Lily’s Closet, West Hartford
• Kate & Ken McAvoy – Agave, Hartford

“Come enjoy the ART STOP with us! Bring your people, discover something wonderful, shop local, support artists and enjoy an afternoon celebrating the creativity that makes our community special,” organizers said.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.