Art and Artisans on Display at The MIll at Shady Lea Open House Dec. 6 and 7

Behind the rugged brick walls of The Mill at Shady Lea in North Kingstown, objects are sculpted, images are painted, and glass is blown.

The historic mill is home to a bevy of artists and craftspeople who inhabit more than 40 studios, creating handmade objects that offer both form and function, thanks to the diversity of the people who use the place to create art and useful objects or to run small businesses.

Every December, the mill opens its doors for a weekend-long open house, offering a chance for each artist to showcase their skills and the small businesses there to welcome some holiday shopping traffic.

This year, the open house runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7.

“It’s as much a party as a shopping experience as the artists provide food, drink and entertainment as well as demonstrations and discussions of their work,” a release stated.

Along with the aforementioned arts, there are weavers, woodworkers, jewelry makers and more.

If you’re looking for locally-made gifts this season, don’t miss the open house. And don’t forget to bring a canned good -- the event is an opportunity to support the North Kingstown Food Bank.

The MIll at Shady Lea is located at 215 Shady Lea Road and free parking is available.

For more information, visit www.themillatshadylea.com, which includes a list of artists and businesses as well as a detailed history of the mill, from inception to recent renovation and transformation into a bustling artisan community.

Or visit them on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Claude Verdier