Founded in 1983 by five artists, Bluestem Missouri Crafts has been dedicated to showcasing the work of more than 1,000 artists during its 42 years of operation in downtown Columbia.
But after four decades, the two remaining partners have decided to sell the Ninth Street fixture and retire. They’re still looking for a buyer and hope to find one who will continue Bluestem’s legacy of high-quality Midwestern arts and crafts.
University of Missouri students Rae Habel, left, and Lauren Anderson look at handmade jewelry while shopping Wednesday at Bluestem Missouri Crafts. “This is my first time coming in here, and I love it,” Habel said. “Everything in here is so unique and so beautiful.”
Glass art sits on a shelf to be sold Wednesday at Bluestem Missouri Crafts in Columbia. The shop is currently in the process of being sold.
Paula McFarling speaks with customers behind the counter Wednesday at Bluestem Missouri Crafts on Ninth Street. McFarling is a co-owner of the store, which has showcased Missouri-made art and fine crafts for decades.
Sue Wilson browses items on display Wednesday at Bluestem Missouri Crafts in Columbia. Wilson, who lives in Ashland and frequently visits the store, said she enjoys the metal sculptures, pottery and handmade jewelry. “It’s just whimsical things that are unique and interesting that you can’t get in a retail store,” her daughter Kimberly Wilson said. “We’re also supporting local artists, which is really neat.”
Heather McRae holds up a handcrafted cutting board in the shape of Missouri while shopping Wednesday at Bluestem Missouri Crafts. Her family wanted a gift for her son Jack’s host family for his upcoming trip to Japan as part of an official student delegation from Columbia. “We wanted something made in Missouri that really represents Missouri, and this was perfect,” said James McRae, Heather’s husband.
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