In December, the Button Factory annual open house will be more than a celebration of the work its artists have created within its walls over the last year. The converted mill will also celebrate its 20th anniversary as an artists building when it opens its doors on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2 and 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In 1986, Jim Buttrick and Peter Bowers bought the historic Islington Street building, which had seen a variety of manufacturing uses since it was built to create buttons for high-button shoes in 1895. Their new idea to provide studio space for artists and craftspeople in Portsmouth.

The Open Studios are a chance for members of the community to get an insider’s view of the Button Factory, to talk to artists about their work and to support local artists and craftspeople with purchases. Visiting artists also set up their wares in the long, wide hallways. On display are painting, woodwork—from furniture to toys), jewelry, photographs, sculpture, bookbinding, framing, fabric art, metal art and more.

The Button Factory is located at 855 Islington St. and online at www.buttonfactorystudios.org.