Littoral Line Studio, an artisanal shop in Hamilton, N.Y., opened its doors Nov. 15 at 18 Broad Street. Owned by jeweler and metalsmith Lisa Maffiore, the store is dedicated to showcasing handcrafted goods from local and regional artists.

“The main theme of the shop is that any product in here has left the hands of an artisan or an artist,” Maffiore said. “In a society of mass-produced [goods], I’d like to be able to be a place where small business artists and artisans can have their work for sale and make excellent gifts for people.”

Maffiore, who lives in Pompey, N.Y., said she was drawn to Hamilton during frequent visits with her husband. 

“[We] like to come out to Hamilton on occasion, walk around, shop and grab some coffee. When I saw this space open, I thought this would be a wonderful place to have both my jewelry and my studio with the artisan works of my friends, many that are local to central New York,” Maffiore said.

Maffiore’s own journey into the arts began 12 years ago after retiring from a career in event hospitality. She became a jeweler and metalsmith, eventually selling her work at art shows and joining Gallery 54, an artist co-op in Skaneateles, N.Y. When that gallery closed in 2022, Maffiore returned to her home studio before deciding to open Littoral Line Studio.

The shop’s name, Littoral, refers to an area where a body of water meets the shoreline, reflecting a sense of change and creativity. Maffiore emphasized the shop’s potential to evolve and grow over time, as artists and seasonal demands change.

“I think the only thing I know for a fact will change over time is that the artists will have evolving work that will come in through the shop. Some of the work will also change seasonally,” Maffiore said.

The opening of Littoral is also an opportunity to connect Colgate students with the arts, according to Maffiore.

“[I hope Colgate students will gain] an appreciation for the arts and artisan-made products that you where something has come from,” Maffiore said. “You can connect with the maker, instead of something that’s being delivered from online.” 

Sophomore Bella Nalli visited the shop and enjoyed its intimate atmosphere.  

“It’s a great addition to Hamilton,” Nalli said. “The handmade nature of the objects gives the store a more personal feel.”

Sophomore Christina Harrah was enthusiastic upon hearing of the recent opening. 

“I think I’ve walked past it the past few times I’ve been in town, but I didn’t stop in,” Harrah said. “I like the concept of the shop and think it would be interesting to look around in.”

The shop is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.