Downtown Designs Artists Find Inspiration 'Looking Upwards'

, an eclectic Newport gallery, features the work of local artisans and jewelry designers.

Its storefront is operated by individuals with disabilities, right alongside longtime artist and jewelry designer Lianna Slater, and the gallery features the work of Studio 57 artists, among other creative lines, artists and collaborations. 

Both Downtown Designs and Studio 57 are arms of the Middletown-based non-profit organization

“We help people find what is most meaningful in their lives and use art and design as a creative expression,” said Michelle Banks, the Day Enrichment Administrator for Looking Upwards. “We want people to fulfill their dreams, use their talent and earn a living."

Looking Upwards, a Middletown-based non-profit agency for 30 years, provides support services for persons with disabilities. It's also a place where families of children with diverse needs find support so that their children get the best start in life and thrive as they grow.

Over the last weekend, the Newport Yachting Center once again served as the host site for the annual —Looking Upwards' signature fundraising event for the last five years.

It was also a great place to connect with some of the regularly featured local artisans from, which opened six months ago due to the increasing demand for the artists’ work, jewelry and various creations.

One of the artists, Allison Worthen, sat at the fabric-draped Looking Upwards booth, where a beautiful lantern hung from the center. Tables of jewelry and handmade cards from Looking Upwards' artists were on display.

Worthen now designs her own line of cards, "Creations From the Heart."

"My Mom and I came up with the name. She was also my inspiration to start this card company," Worthen said. "I was also encouraged by the late Fred Smith who worked at Looking Upwards. Smith always told me that he thought my art work was really good."

On the back of her packages of cards, there is a short story that Worthen wrote. It reads, "When I create my cards I try to catch the eye with color. Color brings happiness and that's what these cards are about. I like to make somebody out there happy when they receive a card."

William Buckley, another young artist from Downtown Designs, makes his own line of jewelry found there. "GALCHI Jewelry" offers one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted pieces.

The name represents the three artists who work together.

Ginger is for the "G." Ali for the "AL" and Charlie for the "CHI."

Buckley is in the day program at Downtown Designs. He told me that he also works another job. He's a very busy guy.

His jewelry is colorful and happy. He incorporates sea glass, multi-color metals and lots of beads. He especially likes to work with the micro mini beads which are called seeds. He's been creating and making jewelry for seven years and also helps Worthen sell her cards.

Elena Schweizer has been designing jewelry for two years and loves to create full sets, which include a necklace with a bracelet and ring.

Schweizer works independently and is said to be very patient.

Lianna Slater, Downtown Design's gallery manager, also serves as a job coach who collaborates with each of the artists.

"Our mission is to share art. We rotate the artists every three months. Our next opening is in December and we will be featuring a variety of artists at that show," Slater said. "It's a pleasure to see them grow over a period of time."

For more information

• Visit Looking Upwards' website.
• Learn about Downtown Designs.
• Find out about future gallery openings and shows at Downtown Designs.