The Art Buyer’s Guide to Rhode Island
Read on to discover your new favorite artist, gallery or curator, as well as expert tips on framing, etiquette and collecting.
Clockwise from top left: arghavan_khosravi, samallertongreen, kelliraeadams, mkaderka, priscillaweidlein, jesse_burke, threewheelstudio, patinastudio. Courtesy of artist’s instagram.
Artstagram
It’s easier than ever to see the creative process of your favorite local artists: Just click “follow” on Instagram and, voila, amazing art in the making. Here are a few local artists who deserve a look. By Grace Kelly
arghavan_khosravi Khosravi is a native of Iran and is a student in RISD’s painting MFA program.
#whyherworkiscool Many of Khosravi’s paintings look like Hieronymus Bosch and Salvador Dali decided to illustrate the Koran: Scenes of highly detailed people and creatures are injected with dashes of the surreal and embellished with fantastical vegetation. While Khosravi is inspired by Koranic art and tile mosaics from ancient mosques, she puts wry twists on it, like painting 3D glasses on angels who don majestic gold, red and blue wings.
priscillaweidlein Weidlein is a local artist who works mainly in watercolors. She often illustrates for companies, publications and private clients.
#whyherworkiscool Weidlein’s handle on watercolor is superb, capturing its flowing look without creating puddles of color. She tethers it just enough to depict the details of everyday life, but neither
elevates nor humbles them; they’re simply there. You see yourself in her watery lines, whether it’s in a picture of a half-naked person looking out the window (we’ve all done it!) or a couple holding hands near a stand selling succulents.
kelliraeadams Adams creates functional and installation-based ceramics. She often blends her ceramic work with food and events, creating a multisensory artistic experience (a.k.a. art you can eat out of, which is the best kind of art according to this party of one).
#whyherworkiscool Food + simple, elegant ceramics = super rad (and edible) art. Her recent show at the World’s Fair Gallery on Broadway in Providence included food and drink served in her handmade vessels, all up for purchase. Plus, wouldn’t it be cool to tell your friends an artist made your dishes rather than IKEA?
threewheelstudio Started by Tiawanese potter Dwo Wen Chen, Three Wheel Studio sells the works of an array of artists.
#whytheworkiscool Awash in glazes and laced with intricate details, this is art that is as functional as it is beautiful. Since there are a bevy of artists, works range from platters with imprints from wildflowers to an earthenware Michelle Obama coffee mug.
samallertongreen Allerton Green does his work en plein air, meaning: Whether he’s painting in his car in the city or outside on a cold beach, he captures the essence of a place in broad, vibrant strokes.
#whyhisworkiscool Do you like Impressionism, but don’t have the money for a Monet? You’re in luck. Green’s splashy paintings are impressionistic, with chunky, bold lines and simple colors that disintegrate the landscape into dreamy, digestible blocks. It’s as if you are looking at the scenery through an old glass window on a rainy day.
jesse_burke Local photographer Jesse Burke captures intimate moments in grand detail.
#whyhisworkiscool Burke’s photos document the everyday, but somehow make meaning ooze out of every pixel. For example, a small stinkbug that would normally evoke an “ew!” is made delicate and fragile. Besides flora and fauna, Burke’s children make frequent appearances in his work. Plus, there are occasional photos of his adorable pet skunk (yes, you read that right) named Pepper.
mkaderka Another RISD MFA candidate, Molly Kaderka’s Instagram bio reads: “Artist, amateur astronomer, nerd and weirdo.”
#whyherworkiscool One piece, which she describes as a “printed forest,” shows long, vertical swaths of blue, green and gray, calling to mind lengths of seaweed. Then, there are her sketches of fossils: Chunky grey blocks with intricate details that bring them to life.
patinastudio An alchemist of sorts, Teresa Mowry of Patina Studio makes copper ornaments and decorations.
#whyherworkiscool Who knew copper could look so dreamy? Using salvaged metals, Mowry’s works look like illustrations and often depict natural forms. We’re getting rustic Celtic vibes.
Courtesy of RISD Craft/ Jo Sittenfeld
Student Art
A few places to scout the next Shepard Fairey and snap their work up before they go big.
David Winton Bell Gallery
64 College St., Providence, brown.edu
The Vibe: Clean white cube.
The Details: In addition to hosting an array of awesome contemporary art (including works by Diego Rivera and Richard Serra), Brown University’s contemporary art gallery space also hosts a student art exhibition February through early March.
Purchasing Power: Since the gallery is a nonprofit, if you are interested in purchasing a work, the artist must be contacted directly. The gallery will provide contact information.
RISD Craft
Benefit Street, Providence, risdcraft.com
The Vibe: Outdoor farmers market peddling art instead of vegetables.
The Details: This annual fall show on Benefit Street brings Rhode Island School of Design’s talented undergraduate, graduate and alumni population together to peddle their wares. You’ll have the chance to engage with makers and buy one-of-a-kind art, all while supporting the local, burgeoning art scene (RISD doesn’t take a penny of the money made selling art). Don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite maker, as they will win the People’s Choice Award and a cash prize.
Purchasing Power: Wander the stalls and purchase whatever your heart desires!
University of Rhode Island Providence Art Gallery
80 Washington St., Providence, uri.edu
The Vibe: Vibrant, urban cafe with cool art.
The Details: The gallery showcases works from international, national and local professional artists, community artists and students. Shows often have themes that explore local issues and also present works by various ethnic communities. Check out the joint shows in March and June that display works by URI, Rhode Island College and Community College of Rhode Island students.
Purchasing Power: Most of the art is for sale with listed prices, and while the university can’t direct a sale, they can put you in touch with the artist.
Artsonia
artsonia.com
The Vibe: Elementary/middle school art show.
The Details: On Artsonia, which bills itself “the world’s largest student art museum,” you can not only see the work your seventh-grader made (you know they’ll never show you), you can also buy it on a T-shirt, pillow, mug and more. Many teachers have their students upload works onto the site (full disclosure: my little sister does and her work is rad), and while not necessarily art that will make you a buck in the future, what’s better than supporting your child’s creativity?
Purchasing Power: As long as your burgeoning artist’s teacher uploads their work, you can buy it. –G.K.
