Around Town

Local Artists are on Display at Made in Warren

The new artists collaborative highlights the work of area makers

Posted

Walk into Made in Warren and you will find striking pieces of artwork including pottery, jewelry worked in silver and other metals, stained glass, wooden boxes and furniture, as well as paintings created in several different mediums.

“It’s so cool, so many different things,” a shopper in the store in mid-February says. Made in Warren is a makers’ cooperative showcasing the work of dozens of artists who live or work in Warren and the surrounding communities. The Main Street shop got its start as a pop-up store selling local creations between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2014 and 2015. Second year sales nearly doubled the first, so when a store became available on Main Street, several artists decided it was time for a more permanent location. Made in Warren opened on January 19 and held a grand opening on January 30 that brought more than 250 people into the store.

The four members of the store’s board are artists: Diana Cole creates stained glass pieces that include water lily designs and a Zodiac series; Mary Hunt sews cloth totes in various motifs, including marine and floral designs; Doreen Lindenburg is a printmaker; Jade Gotauco says oil paints are her primary medium but she enjoys working with other sources. Jewelry made from paper beads are among the items she has made and are available in the shop. “I like to repurpose old books that are otherwise unsalvageable and incorporate found pieces, mostly vintage,” Jade says.

Another draw for the shop is how the cooperative is set up; artists pay a monthly fee to sell their items in the store and contribute some of their time.  “People love coming in the store and finding a bona fide artist behind the counter,” Diana says.

Prices at the shop vary from $2 for a printed note card to more than a thousand dollars for a large painting in oils or a detailed ship model. “Even though it’s a slow time in retail, people have been coming in the store and remarking how beautiful [it] is and how they plan to buy gifts here,” says Diana. “And best of all they are buying art.” 476 Main Street, Warren. 401-310-0559, www.MadeInWarren.com

Made in Warren, Cindy VanSchalkwyk, The Bay Magazine, art, diy, warren ri, main street warren, Diana Cole, Mary Hunt, Doreen Lindenburg, Jade Gotauco

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here



X