Some art forms are very utilitarian and in the Communal Era, the hobbies of woodworking and knitting were very important.  In a time with no computers, television, or radios these hobbies produced useful items such as mittens, scarves, hats, clocks, and furniture.
All children, girls, and boys, were taught to knit as part of their school curriculum. Women often would knit in the evenings, after supper and church.
It seems that every home in the Colonies has an old workbench in the basement. It’s here that the gentlemen would often build extra items and gifts for friends and family members. Many of these items were much more elaborate than what was standard issue for our members.
The crafts and hobbies continue today, past down from generation to generation.  Some of our shops carry these types of items. Be sure to ask the shopkeepers to point them out.
Schanz Furniture & Refinishing is a small family owned business located in South Amana. We specialize in creating custom built furniture as well as repairing & refinishing your old furniture. Our showrooms offer a nice selection of handcrafted furniture and handmade wooden gift items as well as brooms & baskets. This father & son business has been making furniture since 1966! We uniquely design furniture to fit our customers needs so they can feel confident that they are getting exactly what they want. Each craftsman selects and matches his own wood, and then cuts, glues, and assembles each piece from Read more...
Tom Milligan has been a working theatrical professional for the past 45+ years, working as an actor, director, scene designer, producer, and writer. Originally from Des Moines, companies credited to his resume include Charlie’s Showplace Dinner Theatre, The Drake Opera, The Drama Workshop, The Old Creamery Theatre Company, The Iowa Theatre Artists Company, as well as many other arts groups around the state. Deb Kennedy has been working professionally for the past 25 years, working throughout the Midwest onstage, offstage, touring, and occasionally onscreen. Deb & Tom’s career paths crossed in 2005, where they quickly realized they were a Read more...
Catiri’s Art Oasis was established in 2001. Ithiel & Jenise Catiri decided to move to the beautifully wooded rolling hills of Amana to establish a life, creating & selling their artworks. Over the years, the gallery has rapidly evolved to its present location nestled in the historic village of Main Amana, Iowa. Located in the historic Noe’ Haus and displaying over 100 regional artists works, it is a true art oasis. We are all about promoting the arts! We just can’t imagine life without art! We want to share that excitement with everyone! Catiri’s Art Oasis has a passionate team Read more...
Visitors to Amana often arrive with a preconceived notion of Iowa as a flat expanse adorned solely by endless cornfields. Yet, upon arrival, they are greeted by rolling hills adorned with lush textures that have inspired vibrant landscapes and portraits by renowned artists like Grant Wood. Amana’s community is dedicated to preserving its rich artistic heritage. The Amana Arts Guild actively recruits and supports blacksmiths, coppersmiths, broom makers, and tinsmiths, breathing new life into the traditional trades of the region. At this pivotal moment in its history, Amana faces the challenge of balancing innovation with tradition to uphold the expertise Read more...
Fern Hill Gifts and Quilts has a unique and inviting collection of Handmade Iowa quilts, antique quilts, fabric and Stephanie Brandenburg and Frond Design Studios fabrics, architectural antiques, antique furniture, gifts, cards, home decorating, garden, florals, sweets and beverages. There are 3 floors brimming with wonderful items to decorate your own home. Open year-round! Read more...
Visit our rustic gallery of chainsaw art, located in an historic Amana barn, and take home a treasure that makes you smile. From whimsical to realistic, each carving is unique and handmade onsite from recycled logs. Enjoy the current inventory of bears, eagles, critters, signs, and more. Chainsaw artist Bobby Ward is usually available to discuss the carvings that speak especially to you. Custom orders are also possible. Live creations add fun to your shopping experience. Find us on Saturday from 9am-5pm. By appointment during the week. Read more...
The art gallery and studio are open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 5, Sundays from 10 to 4….and by appointment. The studio is located in a 1868 Amana home that was once a communal kitchen. The home is adjacent to beautiful floral gardens which are the inspiration for many of the artist’s creations. There are five rooms of contemporary and traditional oils and watercolors on display. Relax and enjoy the “get away from it all” beauty of Homestead, an Amana village. Read more...
Third generation owner, Danita Simmons, and her exceptional staff welcome you to Heritage Designs, a destination for quilters, stitchers and those who love the needle arts. Heritage Designs Quilting & Needlework was established in 1976 and is located in a renovated old granary built in 1895 in the heart of historic Amana. With 14-foot ceilings, the space is perfect for showcasing the shop’s hundreds of sample pieces that are sure to inspire your creativity. In addition to being a full-service quilt shop with nearly 4000 fabrics, you can find a full selection of supplies for counted cross-stitch, hand embroidery, and tatting. Read more...
Norway’s baseball tradition grew into 20 state championships, and many college, semi-pro and professional baseball players came from this small community. This museum features the history of baseball, championship trophies, major league players from the community, other major league players, and THE FINAL SEASON movie made in Norway, Ia. The museum includes a small gift shop, murals, written history, and a narrated tour. Our museum is always open by appointment by calling 319-721-6288. Read more...
The Michele Maring Miller Studio Gallery features the works of watercolorist Miller and her two daughters’ photography and mixed-media work. Experience the Amana Colonies through the brush strokes and lens of this talented family. The gallery also features pottery from Cedar Falls artist Jim Kerns. Be sure to visit our West Amana location in the old West Amana Church, open Friday through Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information, visit our updated website, www.maringmillergallery.com Read more...
Established back in communal days in 1857, the store’s exterior and interior have remained virtually unchanged all these years. The original tin ceiling, wooden floor, and glass-topped display cases still remain. Throughout the store are charming reminders of the good old days, of a simpler time, of the past preserved. They just don’t make stores like this anymore, and there sure aren’t many of them left in existence! The store is truly a “museum” and an authentic general store in one. We have stocked the shelves with an interesting variety of hard-to-find trinkets and unique treasures from days gone by. Read more...
The Gallery On Main is an artist collective featuring the work of over 30 spectacular local artists. We offer a fusion of fine art and traditional Amana folk art. Our products include fine woodworking, quilts, original paintings and sketches, art prints, crochet toys and hats, handmade jewelry, baskets, brooms, and many more high-quality, handmade items. The Gallery On Main is run and operated by the Amana Arts Guild, an arts organization that offers classes, events, and other avenues for cultural enrichment in the Amana area. We welcome visitors to our gallery to view and shop our wide selection. We also Read more...
Something for everyone! Creative Colony has whatever style you’re looking for, country to Americana, primitive to contemporary. You’ll be amazed at the diversity of our handcrafted products. We carry items for your home; furniture, framed art work, flower arrangements, quilts, baskets, pottery, kitchen wares, hand-woven rugs, and soy candles. We have unique gift ideas; soaps and lotions, fused glass and stained glass, whimsical signs, garden art and pet accessories. For the personal touch; we have jewelry, hand-woven scarves, stylish purses, appliqued t-shirts and sweatshirts. Our children’s room offers doll clothes, wooden toys, bibs, blankets and small treasures. No matter what your Read more...
Tinsmith and Metal Work An Amana tradition from the start Metalwork has been taking place in the Colonies from the beginning. These artisans are keeping…
Woodworking + Furniture Making Woodworking from Amana Craftspeople with Over a Century of Tradition From the village cabinet maker to the furniture maker to the…
