Top sales offer handmade presents and a chance to chat with the artists

01:00 AM EST on Thursday, December 8, 2005

BY BILL VAN SICLEN
Journal Arts Writer

For the past few weeks, visitors to the ultra-chic Stuart Weitzman shoe store in New York City have been greeted by a pair of eye-catching window displays. Created by Rhode Island artist Susan Freda, the displays feature glittering pairs of high-heel shoes that look like something a fashion-conscious elf might slip on after a hard day at Santa's Workshop.

Freda, a North Providence native known for her cast-resin sculptures of shoes, dresses and other fashion accessories, says the displays were commissioned by Weitzman's art-savvy wife, Jane.

"Basically, she saw some of my sculptures and asked if I would mind doing some window displays for the store," Freda explains. "Considering that thousands of people pass by the store every day -- and considering that any chance to show your work in New York is a good thing -- I said yes."

Rhode Islanders who aren't planning a trip to the Big Apple for the holidays will also find Freda's work at the RISD Alumni Holiday Sale, the annual showcase for artisan-made gifts, art, clothing and housewares.

What's more, Freda will have plenty of company.

In fact, organizers expect more than 200 artists and craftspeople to descend on the Rhode Island Convention Center for the one-day event, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"It's a great way for people to shop for unique handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts that are also very affordable," says Alan Tracy, events coordinator for RISD's Alumni & Career Services Office. "Where else can you find so many top-quality artists and artisans, all under the same roof?"

Beyond RISD

Busy this Saturday? Not to worry: the RISD sale may the largest of the area's holiday art-bazaars, but it's not the only one.

Both the Foundry Artists Holiday Sale in Pawtucket and the edgier Craftland sale in downtown Providence offer a similar range of artist-made gifts, including jewelry, glass, ceramics and clothing.

Another plus is that both the Foundry and Craftland sales have longer shelf lives than the RISD sale. The Foundry sale, for example, opens tonight at the Pawtucket Armory (172 Exchange St.) with a reception from 5 to 9 p.m., then operates on a Friday-to-Sunday schedule through Dec. 18.

Craftland, meanwhile, opens tomorrow at noon at 160 Westminster St., then follows a Friday-to-Sunday schedule through Dec. 23. (Note: Craftland holds its opening party tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at 229 Westminster St. The event is part of "Celebrate Downcity," a series of holiday-themed activities along Westminster Street. For a full list of activities visit www.ProvidenceLOFTS.com.)

Another option are local galleries, many of which deck the halls with artist-made gifts and housewares at this time of year. Some of these displays, like the annual "Little Pictures" show at the Providence Art Club (11 Thomas St.), are long-time favorites. Others, like the Providence Design Collective gallery at 50 Aborn St., are new additions to the holiday arts scene.

Finally, many year-round shops specialize in one-of-a-kind and artisan-made products. In Providence, the list includes the risd/works store at 10 Westminster St. and Abode at 713 Westminster St., both offering a wide range of ultra-stylish housewares and furnishings, and Martina & Co. at 120 North Main St., a mecca for fans of cutting-edge jewelry.

Outside the city, the Imago gallery at 16 Cutler St. in Warren, the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative at 175 Main St. in Pawtucket and the Sun-Up Gallery at 95 Watch Hill Rd. in Westerly are all good bets.

A chance to meet the artists

With so many choices, what's a busy Santa to do? While we can't drive the sleigh for you, we can offer some friendly advice.

For example, if convenience is your primary concern, try the RISD alumni sale. Not only is the selection terrific, but the sheer number of exhibitors virtually guarantees that you won't go home empty-handed. And if you've done the RISD sale before, don't worry: While you may recognize some of the artists and designers, many will be first-time participants.

"We really try to keep the show fresh from year to year," says RISD's Tracy. "About 70 percent of the exhibitors are returnees, which helps give the show continuity. But the other 30 percent are newcomers, which means that even people who come every year will find something new."

The RISD sale -- like the Foundry and Craftland sales -- also gives shoppers the chance to meet the artists whose work they're buying.

"A lot of people really appreciate that," says Tracy. "It's so different from the usual holiday shopping experience, where you're just buying things off the shelf. It really adds a personal touch."

Artists, too, appreciate the chance to meet and mingle with potential buyers.

"It's a chance to see how your work affects people," says Freda, who graduated from RISD in 1994 and now runs a small art gallery, Gallery 4, in Tiverton. "When you're cooped up in a studio all day, you don't have a chance to talk to the people about your work. Doing shows like the RISD holiday sale lets you get some feedback on how you're doing."

Two smaller shows

For a more intimate shopping experience, try the Foundry or Craftland sales. Like the RISD sale, both events feature a wide array of handmade arts and crafts, including jewelry, glass, ceramics and knitwear. But the number of exhibitors is smaller -- about 75 to 80 artists per sale.

The two shows also represent something of a generational shift, with the Foundry sale celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and the Craftland show offering works by mostly younger artists and designers.

"It's pretty remarkable that we've lasted this long," says glassmaker and long-time Foundry sale artist Bill Riker. "When we started, way back in 1980, our audience was mainly other artists. Now the Foundry sale is a holiday tradition that attracts people from as far away as New York and Boston."

This year's sale looks especially strong, with brightly colored ceramics from Roseberry-Winn Pottery, striking glass bowls and platters by Neal Drobnis, and elegant contemporary jewelry from Gail Ahlers and Dahlia Kanner. There's also a wide selection of fashion-related items, including handmade scarves by Carol Mania of Lodestar Scarves and creative clothing designs from Carolyn Daniel of CK Design and Mindy Cherry of Hobowear.

Bargain-hunters will also rejoice that all purchases at the Foundry sale are sales-tax-free. The reason: the Pawtucket Armory is in the city's Arts District, where art-related purchases are not subject to the state sales tax.

A change at Craftland

Now in its third year, Craftland has quickly established itself as a younger, hipper alternative to the Foundry and RISD sales. True, you can still buy a wide array of traditional gifts and housewares. But the emphasis is squarely on younger artists and designers, many of whom hail from Providence's increasingly trendy Olneyville and Armory/West Broadway neighborhoods.

"Basically, Craftland was started by artists who felt there was room for another sale that was more reflective of what younger artists were doing," says Kristin Amico, a Providence artist who designs handmade books and journals under the Scraps of Paper label. "The idea wasn't to compete with the other sales, but to offer things that weren't being offered anywhere else."

Among the offerings this year: chunky-chic costume jewelry by Providence designer Johanna Fisher, laminated paper brooches and earrings by Nancy Vayo, ceramic teapots and planters from New Moon Studio, and African-print fabrics and handbags by Saya Cullinan.

At the same time, fans of previous Craftland sales will find some changes at this year's event. For one thing, the sale has moved from its original location Downcity to a site (remember the old Kinko's copy center near the Arcade?) in Providence's Financial District.

The format, too, has changed. Rather than trying to fit everyone in at once, the sale will feature a different lineup of artists and designers each day during its two-week run. (For a day-by-day listing, visit www.craftlandshow.com.)

"Logistically, it's a little more complicated, but it also lets us do some things that we weren't able to do before," says Amico.

"For the artists, it means not having to be at the sale every day, which is a good thing since many people are very busy at this time of year. On the other hand, if someone comes in a sees something that they really like, the artist or craftsperson who made it will be there to answer any questions they might have.

"Hopefully, it will work in everyone's favor."

The RISD Holiday Alumni Sale takes place Saturday at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5; children 14 and under admitted free with adult supervision. For more information call (401) 454-6618 or visit www.risd.edu/alumnisale.cfm.

The Foundry Artists Holiday Sale opens tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Pawtucket Armory, 172 Exchange St. in Pawtucket. Regular hours are Friday noon-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Dec. 18. For more information call (401) 431-0099 or visit www.foundryshow.com.

Craftland opens tomorrow from noon to 8 p.m. at 160 Westminster St. in Providence. Regular hours are Friday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Friday, Dec. 23. For more information visit www.craftlandshow.com.

For information on galleries and stores mentioned in this article, check the gallery listings in today's LIVE, beginning on Page X.

SEE PHOTOS of more art gifts in the sales:

projo.com/artsales/