On Black Friday (that’s this week, oy!), instead of waking up at 4am to beat insane crowds at Wal-mart, check out BrooklynARTERY, a holiday craft shop in the restaurant-rich but retail-starved suburbanish neighborhood of Ditmas Park. The only thing resembling a boutique for miles—at least until Brooklyn Industry opens—the ARTery features products that support Brooklyn artists and fair trade.
Brooklyn ARTery sells jewelry, clothing, ornaments, artwork, home goods, toys, stationary, foods, and other cute tchotchkes. It’s also a community hub where people can teach and take artisanal classes like soap, pickle and mustard making. Because it’s not truly Brooklyn living until you pickle stuff while gossiping with your neighbors.
The ARTery is set up right next to a Christmas tree station. So after you’ve recovered from the Thanksgiving food coma, grab a gingerbread latte, pull out the ugly holiday sweater and pop in to sign up for classes and pick up unique local gifts.
Brooklyn ARTery, 1020 Cortelyou Rd. (b/t Stratford and Coney Island Ave.) will be open every day except Monday, 11-6pm (7pm on weekends).