Nautical Gifts In The Area Have Artists' Touch

There is nothing like shopping locally, especially during the holidays. The sound of music in the air, the stores all decorated for the season, the smell of welcoming hot cider, eggnog or fresh-baked cookies all create a festive atmosphere.

The book signings by local authors make gifts extra-special. The visits to galleries and stores by local artists who don't usually meet the customers, where they can interact and answer questions about their work, are also a unique treat.

The following is a sampling of gifts available at studios, galleries, boutiques and stores throughout Tiverton and Little Compton, focusing on gifts of a nautical theme.

You may have someone special on your shopping list who is a sailor or fisherman. You may have a loved one who has moved away from the area and might enjoy a piece of home at the holidays.

You may even have someone who is not interested in the water at all, but likes everything that is Tiverton or Little Compton. And what is one of the most special features of this area? The water.

Maybe you need a gift for someone who likes one-of-a-kind pieces, something you put a lot of thought into or something you might just see and say to yourself, "so and so would just love that piece."

Local artists, and especially the local artists in this area, are usually willing to make both custom pieces based on a client's design, or within their collections, swap out stones or necklaces, make a piece smaller or larger, etc. for a personalized touch from you to your loved one. Also, local artists will often sign or inscribe pieces with special greetings, special dates, etc.

And the State of Rhode Island has given shoppers a special incentive to shop locally. Tiverton and Little Compton are two of nine tax-free arts districts in the state, where hand-made, one-of-a-kind pieces are exempt from the state sales tax.

Maybe that special person on your list is truly, "the person who has everything." If so, there certainly is something for everyone, and here are a few ideas:

(One note of disclaimer: this is by no means a complete list of all the artist's studios, galleries, shops and boutiques in and around Tiverton and Little Compton. This sampling of gift possibilities represents about four hours of travelling around the area, checking out the collections at each stop, following referrals from one artist or gallery to another – each one supporting the other, each one with different and unique pieces from the previous stop, with a very strong cross-promotion between artists.

Patina Studio

Patina Studio offers hand-made copper art work, map tables and other fine metalwork including unique copper and brass ornaments featuring starfish and the compass rose, each with lovely patina finishes.

Patina Studio creations are offered through their Web site at www.patinastudio.com, by telephone at 401-624-2376 or by stopping by the Westport River Winery on Saturday, December 18, where artist and owner Theresa Mowery will be on hand for a meet and greet. Local stores that carry the nautical ornaments in addition to the Winery, include Partner's Village Store in Westport and The Nutcracker Suite, Only in Rhode Island and Primavera on Bowen's Wharf in Newport.

Tiffany Peay Jewelry

features hand-made fine jewelry, created in-house using gold, sterling and hand picked gemstones. For the nautical gift, specifically, the collection includes a delicate anchor and lovely coral charms.

Tiffany Peay Jewelry is located at 3851 Main Road at Tiverton Four Corners, or you can reach them by telephone at 401-816-0878. The studio is open seven days a week until Christmas, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Prices vary depending upon the choice of size, style and gemstone; the anchor charms start at $30. Customers are welcome to bring in their own necklace to be fitted with one of the many beautiful charms, or they can choose one from the collection.

The Cottage at Four Corners

The features home furnishings and accents, quality gift items and a wide array of hand-made and antique furniture. For gifts of a nautical nature, it has, on hand, the full line of products from Simon Pearce, including hand-blown glass sailboats in several sizes; the "By The Edge of The Sea" desktop calendar by Anne Henning; decoupage sailboat plates from the John Derian collection; and note cards featuring illustrations of local landmarks on the front covers from the Tom Gastel collection.

The Cottage at Four Corners is located at 3847 Main Road, Tiverton, or you can reach them by telephone at 401-625-5814. The store is open seven days a week until Christmas, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m. Prices range from $3.50 for the note cards to $90 and up for the hand-blown glass sailboats, depending upon the size.

The Donovan Gallery

features nautical art throughout the gallery, including work by local artists and artists from throughout the region who come to Tiverton to paint pieces exclusively for the gallery. Some of the well-known artists include Christine Bean, Kris Donovan, Hazard Durfee, Yves Parent, Matthew Smith and David Witbeck, as well as the gallery owner, Kyle Bartlett. The gallery also features wooden half-models by John O'Brien, and they also offer custom framing services.

The Donovan Gallery is located at 3895 Main Road in Tiverton Four Corners, their telephone number is 401-624-4000. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m., and Mondays by chance or by appointment. Prices vary depending on artist, size, medium and choice of frame.

See part 2 of this article for more gift ideas.