Must-Visit Artist Co-Ops and Markets

New Orleans' Dutch Alley Artist Co-Op should be on everyone's French Quarter to-do list. The art gallery is located in the historic French Market and is managed by co-op artists themselves. Browse local artwork for a one-of-a-kind souvenir from fun paintings to funky prints. If jewelry is your vice, there are co-op jewelry makers who melt their own silver to create custom pieces.

New York City's Chelsea Market may be known for the food but the real gem is browsing the racks at Artists and Fleas. The market features dozens of artist stalls with wares ranging the gamut from woodworking to weaving to photography. With other markets in Brooklyn, SoHo and now across the country in LA, Artist and Fleas features hundreds of artists a year. Don't miss the DIY workshops at all the locations. Classes include silk painting, jewelry soldering and bike maintenance.

Bib and Tucker Sew-Op sounds like it might be just for pro seamstresses, but the Birmingham, Ala. group welcomes all skill levels. In fact, one of their workshops is called "How Does This Thing Work?!" and focuses on using, maintaining and loving your sewing machine. Other workshops include how to piece, appliqué, quilt and bind a wall hanging.

Atlanta's Indie Craft Experience or ICE is a seasonal pop-up market featuring local crafts and vintage goods. This summer’s two-day market event will have nearly 100 vendors. Show up early as the first 250 attendees get a local artist-designed swag bag.