Angell Street Galleries in Providence, Rhode Island is a concept driven exhibition venue recently opened as an incubator-stylepresentation space. A quirk of its existence is that it was formerly a dentist’s office, now re-contextualized into a flowing array of micro-galleries. There is a casual vibe to the transformation, a feeling of open plan. Painter Marjorie Hellman, whose works are included in its “Summer Exhibition,” mentioned this had been her periodontist’s office. The complete list of artists showing in the show includes Kathryn Parker Almanas, S.W. Dinge, Vienna Gambol, Marjorie Hellman, Rebecca Jenness, Kendel Joseph, James Powers and John Trainor. Tom Petrosino purchased the Angell Street building three years ago with the intention of opening a gallery there. He also purchased a building on Westminster Street in Providence that he is turning into artist studios with a … [Read more...] about A PLANNED LEGACY IN PROVIDENCE

When you hear the term “craft fair,” do monkeys made from socks, syrupy-sweet decoupage plaques with shih tzu puppies and tacky jewelry come to mind? OK. I get that. But I’m going to suggest it’s time for a paradigm shift here. Every summer in August, for 10 days, artisans and artists who comprise the League of NH Craftsmen, gather to display their wares, conduct interactive demonstrations and charm their large fan base. The event, held at Mount Sunapee Resort, is the 92nd annual Craftsmen’s Fair. The fair holds the honor — and certainly the prestige — across New England and the country as one of the profession’s leading events. It’s also the first craft organization in the United States, having begun in 1932. The League is today recognized as one of the country’s foremost fine arts organizations, setting the standard for fine hand crafts valued throughout the United States and around … [Read more...] about A TREASURE IN OUR BACKYARD

Exactly one year ago, Artscope Magazine ran a story by Ami Bennitt of #ARTSTAYSHERE about the upcoming displacement of scores of artists inhabiting the spaces of the Cottage Street Studios, a converted mill building that had acted as Art Central in Easthampton, Massachusetts for 45 years. As is happening in many cities, the rents for studio space more than tripled, and most artists were unable to maintain their studios, some having occupied them for decades. Andrea Zax is one of the many displaced artists, along with her husband, artist George Shaw. Zax makes wedding dresses for a large number of clientele as well as works on an eclectic mixture of fiber pieces. She had inhabited her spacious studio for nine years, nested in the community she had helped create. Shaw is a relative newcomer to Easthampton, with deep roots in the Boston art community. He had grabbed a space at Cottage … [Read more...] about EASTHAMPTON STRONG