Featured Member: League of NH Craftsmen Store Littleton
Featured member League of NH Craftsmen Store Littleton is a vibrant hub of artistic expression, showcasing the finest in regional, handcrafted art. Under the new ownership of Loretta and Bill Stride since July 2024, the gallery has continued to thrive on Littleton’s Main Street for over two decades, delighting visitors with a carefully curated selection of fine craft and wearable art created by juried members of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.
A New Chapter with a Deep Artistic Connection
For Loretta Stride, stepping into ownership felt like a natural evolution. As both a painter and a retail manager with deep ties to the North Country’s creative community, Loretta brings a wealth of experience and passion to the space. “I used to shop here all the time,” she recalls. “As an artist, I’ve always appreciated supporting other artists. When Beth Simon offered us the opportunity to purchase the store, it felt perfect. It’s a well-established gallery with a loyal customer base, and I could bring my own voice to it while honoring Beth’s legacy.”
Loretta, a graduate of UMass Dartmouth with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, has exhibited her imaginative, nature-inspired acrylic and spackle paintings across New England, from Boston to Newbury Street to the North Shore and now in northern New Hampshire. Her artistic lens gives her a unique edge as a gallery owner. “Artists understand other artists. It helps us represent their work in the way we’d want to be represented ourselves.”
A Gallery with Regional Roots
The Littleton store represents nearly 200 artists, all of whom are based in New Hampshire or within 10 miles of its borders. This regional focus is central to the League’s mission and part of what makes the Littleton store so special. Visitors will find everything from jewelry and pottery to blacksmithing, fiber arts, and woodwork. Each piece is a celebration of craftsmanship and originality.
Pottery and jewelry are among the gallery’s best sellers, with jewelry often topping the list thanks to its blend of beauty and accessibility. But the gallery is far from a high-end-only destination. “People sometimes assume everything is expensive, but we truly have something for everyone,” Loretta explains. “You might not be able to buy a large ceramic vase, but you can absolutely find a handcrafted mug, a small bowl, or a lovely pair of earrings. There’s a wide range of prices, and we love helping people find the perfect piece.”
A Local Store with a Personal Touch
Though it operates under the umbrella of the nonprofit League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, the Littleton store is privately owned and managed. That local ownership, Loretta says, is something she hopes more people will recognize. “We are part of a statewide network, but this store is very much a local business. We live here. We’re part of this community. And we care deeply about supporting both our artists and our customers.”
Loretta is also excited to deepen the store’s community engagement. The gallery frequently updates its offerings with new work from League artists, traveling to Concord monthly to bring in fresh pieces. It also participates in town events like First Fridays, with plans for demonstrations and special activities. A Mother’s Day promotion this spring will offer a small gift with purchases over $50, a token of appreciation for shoppers and a chance to encourage gift-giving with meaning.
Honoring Traditions and Looking Ahead
One of the most beloved traditions in the League is the Annual Christmas Ornament, a collector favorite that has been running since 1988. Each year, a juried craftsman is selected to create the design, with the 2025 ornament already in production and expected to arrive in stores by June. “It’s always a beautiful piece and such a meaningful gift or keepsake,” Loretta shares.
Looking ahead, Loretta and Bill plan to further expand the store’s collection of wearable art, including more handcrafted clothing and accessories. “We’ve recently brought in some gorgeous handwoven vests and children’s clothing,” she says. “We’d love to see even more variety in our wearable offerings.”
But perhaps the most rewarding part of owning the gallery has been the connection with people. “When someone walks in off Main Street and their eyes light up, when they’re surprised by how beautiful it is downstairs, filled with light and art. That’s the best feeling,” Loretta says. “We have so many returning customers who come just to see what’s new. It makes all the effort worth it.”
The League of NH Craftsmen Store Littleton is more than just a place to shop. It’s a celebration of New Hampshire’s rich craft tradition, a welcoming space for community connection, and a testament to the passion of its new owner. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, you’ll find something to treasure here, crafted by hand, selected with care, and shared from the heart. Stop by the store at it’s Porter Street location, visit the website, or check it out on Facebook and Instagram.
