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.
RINGS BY DARRIEN SEGAL; BRACELETS BY NANCY REID CARR; RINGS BY PRIYADARSHINI HIMATSINGKA; EARRINGS BY HEATHER GUIDERO.
Wearable Art
Show your support for local clothing and jewelry designers — and look the part at the next gallery opening — at these four shops.
Muse, American Handcrafted
This cute Warren shop peddles pretty jewels — plus works on paper and very sweet woodland animal figurines — made by local artisans. Favorites include Heather Guidero, a Providence metalsmith who creates graphic modernist jewelry, and East Providence’s Darrien Segal, who casts twigs, lobster antennae and horn shells in silver and gold to make stunning rings, necklaces and bracelets. 279 Water St., Warren, 289-2150, musehandcrafted.com.
Craftland
Cherry blossom aluminum cuffs by Nancy Reid Carr; punchy dot earrings by DA Metals; funky Ts designed at Riverzedge: Craftland’s Providence and East Greenwich shops are stocked with wearable art, plus prints, stationery and the very covetable Women Who Rock coloring book. 264 Main St., East Greenwich, 886-5500; 212 Westminster St., Providence, 272-4285, craftlandshop.com.
Flaunt Boutique
This northern Rhode Island shop is chock full of items by local designers. The most artful of the bunch include Kent Stetson handbags — think: original art printed on chic envelope clutches — and Jessica Ricci Jewelry, whose namesake line translates items like lace and coins, all from far-flung places, into
conversation pieces. 19 Sanderson Rd., Smithfield, 949-4849, flauntri.com.
RISD Works
In addition to prints and home accessories, this shop — which carries wares by Rhode Island School of Design faculty and alumni — sells artful accessories fresh from RISD’s jewelry and metalsmithing department. Stop in for stunning oxidized silver post earrings by Providence-based RISD alum, Priyadarshini Himatsingka, or elegant, splurge-worthy designs by Pawtucket’s Izzi Angeline, which are equal parts jewelry and sculpture. 224 Benefit St., Providence, risdworks.com. –C.N.
Tales from the Trade
Courtesy of the artist.
Anthony Tomaselli, painter
First buy: Back in 1973, I was attending Rhode Island College in pursuit of an art degree. The art students started an art auction to support the newly formed RIC Art Club. So there we were, having a fun time bidding on faculty sketches and other art objects. I bought a small pencil drawing by Enrico Pinardi for $5. Enrico, to this day, has been a mentor and his teaching and motivation a driving force in my process.
As far as purchasing, I do collect art. Sculpture, antiques, old vintage pastels, ceramics and, of course paintings. I only just began to use the word collector and my name in the same sentence, but I guess I am a collector. More than that, I love sharing with the maker of the art I purchase — their love of doing.
My wife and I collect art and try to support young and old artists alike. Just this weekend, we purchased a number of ceramic pieces that we will use in our everyday lives. Almost every time I use a mug or a dish from said ceramist, I think of their spirit in the piece. It’s so very special.
First sell: As far as “the sale,” I am always honored and thrilled at someone actually giving me money for something that I so love to do. I am still in awe of these relationships forty-five years later, after selling my first painting to my high school English teacher, Linda. Each painting sold expands my relationships with like-minded people, and therefore generates such a personal bond that is both comforting and exhilarating. anthonytomaselli.com
