Ready for its biggest event yet!
The award winning Artists and world-renowned Craftsmen and Women of the Shady Lea Mill proudly open their doors to celebrate 14th year anniversary.
The historic Shady Lea Mill, situated on the scenic Matatuxet River in North Kingstown, houses over 40 artists, artisans, and craftsmen and women working in various media. This 14th Year marks the biggest 2-Day Event in The Mill’s history. On Saturday and Sunday December 3rd and 4th from noon to 5pm, The Shady Lea Mill will host Open Studios for each artisan to showcase his/her skills. Just in time for holiday shopping, some of Rhode Island’s many talented residents open their doors to the public and offer a wide array of hand made local gifts. Featuring one of a kind pottery, metal sculpture, painting, mixed media collage, glass blowing, hand made pewter frames, photography, woodworking, jewelry and classes in art, guitar making and furniture building. The Shady Lea Mill is home to an artistic magic that permeates through every Studio.
As an addition to this year’s event, the artists of Shady Lea Mill are again asking guests to bring non-perishable food items to fill North Kingstown Food Bank’s empty shelves and gently worn jackets and coats your family members have out-grown . There is a great need for these donations this year, and with the holidays approaching, the Open Studios is a great time to get people together in donating to this hard-working local charity. Collection bins will be placed at every point of entry. Food items of greatest need are proteins – peanut butter, canned meat and fish, beans, etc.
Anchor Bend Glassworks, in suite 100 of the building and a cornerstone of the mill, is a unique and award-winning art glass company. Along with the always-popular Glassblowing demonstrations. Owners Michael Richardson, Justin Tarducci, and Timothy Underwood are proud to showcase the range of new designs and colors being created. Among these original designs are new collaborations with other talented artists of The Mill.
Woodworking Designer Ryan Baird of Golden Rule Designs collaborated with Anchor Bend on many designs to include the 2011 Youth Pride Trophy and 2009 OSTAR Trophies for the Royal Western Yacht Club of England. The world-renowned metal sculptor Roberto Bessin creates the elegant frames for the mosaic glass canvases of Anchor Bend’s Seascape line. Last year Roberto had finished working on 2 very large birds, which now grace the side of Mt Fuji in Japan. Their glass eyes are the incredible work of Anchor Bend. Another exceptional collaboration is evident in David Christensen’s legendary cane glass beads. His stunning new jewelry and other creations will also be a highlight at the Open Studios.
Rich Fyans of The Narragansett Clock will again open his doors to showcase the world of exquisite antique American Clocks. Watch the work of Guitar builder extraordinaire, Dan Collins. Both Dan and Ryan Baird are offering classes in their expertise.
Mark and Casey Nascimento of Archival Art Printing continue to grow their photography business and this year received a Special Recognition from the RI National Guard for taking pictures of the troops and their families as they were deployed overseas. Petri Kymlander, will again be displaying his extraordinarily unique pieces of jewelry. Also on display is the award-winning work of artist Claudia Flynn. She creates in a wide range of media, transforming ordinary things into extraordinary sculpture. Don’t forget the unique hand-made jackets and spectacular hats from the Gypsy Diva herself, Trish Loader.
This year we have the addition of Trout Studio featuring Amos Trout and his successful Art School for adolescents and adults. The unique talent of the mother and son team of Carolyn and Leander Jaques, Illustrators, Calligraphers who share a love of lettering. Check out the artwork and unique jewelry of newcomers, Jodi Manca and Stefanie Mastrobuono.
Our most unique new comer is Cathy Marcotte. Cathy has created "A SPACE TO BE" in Studio 200 where you can rent a place by the hour, day or evening for a quiet spot to write, photograph your works of art, hold a meeting, give an art lesson, make music or just meditate.
The number of Open Studio participants continues to grow over the years as new people have come into the mill. This year, we are working on making the 2-Day Event the biggest yet. Don’t miss all the magic The Mill has to offer!
AT A GLANCE: Shady Lea Mill Open Studios
Saturday & Sunday, December 3rd & 4th / Noon to 5pm
Shady Lea Mill / 215 Shady Lea Road / North Kingstown, RI 02852
www.TheMillAtShadyLea.com
Free and open to the public / Free parking and refreshments
Storm Date: Sunday, December 10th & 11th
