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Local artwork is the biggest draw here, with painters and sculptors famous throughout Brazil working in their gallery-like studios. The main street for galleries and antiques shops is Rua Direita.
The small, quiet village of Vitoriano Veloso, more commonly known as Bichinho, is recognized in the region for the quality of its arts and crafts and reasonable prices. It's a good option for a day trip. All artisans are based on the same road that cuts through the village. If you want to see artisans at work, head to Oficina de Agosto, the workplace of Toti Bech, an artist who created the craft tradition of Bichinho some 15 years ago.
Although not as upscale as the stores in Ouro Preto, Artstones carries imperial topazes, emeralds, quartz, and tourmalines, and has some finished jewelry.
