Founded in 2002, Humboldt Handmade uses art and craft to offer hope and healing to members of our community. 

We offer low cost to free classes to those in Long-term recovery, at-risk youth, seniors and homeless adults and children. We serve teens and adults with physical and emotional disabilities, Hiv and Aids and those undergoing various medical and addiction treatments.    Workshops are often done on location, in the residences and communities that need to be served most.

One of our primary goals is to help individuals rebuild a sense of self-esteem and personal empowerment.

Participants in our craft workshops and classes leave with a sense of accomplishment and new skills as well as an original piece of art they created. Many of the clients served by Humboldt Handmade are isolated by their circumstances, and the workshops offer them a chance to be a part of a community again. The opportunity of a creative outlet helps everything temporarily fall away; pain and hunger are diminished. Often, an introduction to the arts creates a positive addiction to replace a negative one, as clients discover talents they never knew they had. The validation of ones abilities, give many people the encouragement and feeling of worth they needed to make positive changes in their lives.

The grass roots organization was founded by and continues to run with the support of members and volunteers who are themselves, creative persons with disabilities. 

Our inception began with a 3 year start up grant from Self Development of the People, PCUSA. We are currently seeking additional grant funding and community support to find a permanent studio home in Arcata.

"Fish 2" by Barrett, Linoleum Cut