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Give Local, Really Local

Gifting takes on a whole new meaning when you give uniquely Rhody gifts

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There’s nothing quite like finding the perfect gift for a loved one: the moment that little bell goes off and you know, you just know, that he or she will love it. That feeling is even better when you know that not only have you found the perfect gift, you’ve found the only one of its kind. That’s what happens when you buy handmade creations from artists and artisans. But shopping around for those items can be time consuming. Make it easy on yourself and shop the South County Art Association’s 43rd annual Holiday Pottery and Art Sale. Talented artists from all over South County convene through December 22 to sell their sculpture, pottery, photography, drawings, small paintings and more. The best part is that pieces from emerging artists are surprisingly affordable – like, dinner for two affordable. 

For one stop shopping that’s all about local gifts, check out Waves of Creation. This gift boutique sells only local, handmade items from talented emerging artists and designers. Find beautiful jewelry, one of a kind art objects, paintings,glassworks and more. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, paint something yourself during their open studio hours. 

If you’re shopping for a fashionisa, think wearable art. Luniac Glamour is part beauty salon, part boutique that sells clothing and jewelry from local designers. They stock a rotating inventory of clothing from Rhode Island designers, including several who have shown extensively at StyleWeek. 

For art that serves a real purpose, check out Peter Pots Pottery. Their handmade stoneware sets a totally unique tablescape. We particularly love the dutch oven that has a replica of the Narragansett Towers on top. Susan Shaw creates gorgeous, functional pottery at Shaw Pottery Fine Art and Craft Gallery. Besides Shaw’s paintings and ceramic creations, the gallery also features the work of woodturner John Buscaglia. 

Personally, I love giving glass sculptures as gifts. They’re easy to match to other people’s home deĢcor and aesthetic preferences, and they’re unexpected and unique choices. In Wakefield, Eben Horton makes gorgeous art objects from glass at The Glass Station. He’s also the artist responsible for The Block Island Float Project, for which he makes hundreds of glass orbs and stashes them all over the island as a kind of treasure hunt. 

holiday shopping, gifts, local, buy local, small business, so rhode island

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