Frederick Health Hospice

HANDMADE LOCAL ARTISAN GIFTS

The Muse

Whether searching for the perfect gift for a loved one or a unique handmade artisan creation for yourself, look no further than The Muse in Downtown Frederick, home to beautifully crafted goods made by more than 70 different artists and crafters from the Frederick region and beyond.

Founded in 2003, the boutique on Market Street offers products made in the Americas including jewelry, baby and children’s items, home accessories, bath and candle lines, wearables, stationery, pottery and more.

Vendors are hand-picked by owner Sumner Crenshaw through submissions, Instagram searches, and trade show visits.

“All of our (products), you really can’t find very many places if you find it anywhere else at all,” she says. “I also think we have a really unique eye. We have a good mix of stuff that is really almost fine art along with stuff that is really fun. We have a good mix of art and craft elements, too, so there is something for everybody here.”

The store also hosts artist exhibitions and demonstrations throughout the year, as well as craft classes for those who want to learn a new artistic skill. Patrons can get a behind-the-scenes look as artists are creating, ask them questions about their craft and better understand the process which could inspire their own creativity.

“Anybody can be creative and anybody can do it and we are really there to show people how and to educate people,” she says. “It has helped to to transform us into a community center. Folks can come here, learn and make a connection with other people, have fun and create at the same time.”

Crenshaw also hosts community fundraisers at The Muse and says she values being part of the Frederick community and supporting folks “in our backyard.”

“Frederick is our community so we want it to be the best place it can be so (we) really think about how we can help others in the area to make that happen,” Crenshaw says. “...We want to do everything we can to give back.”