Another Reason to Love Courtyards

Have you been to Courtyards lately? New goods are coming in all the time thanks to seasoned buyers Sharon and Wendy Prazak who have eyes for wonderful gifts. Their loft-style barn store sits amongst the trees south of the light at 4Corners and has three rooms on bottom floor overflowing with handmade crafts, candles, and tasteful trinkets. Walk up the curved wooden staircase to a charming slanted-ceiling top floor with books, paintings, mobiles, and children’s gifts. Stepping into Courtyards feels like walking into someone’s personal treasure chest.

The whimsical selection now includes a few more flirty finds…. Introducing Stella Marie Cupcake Soaps! Its real soap, in the shape of a cupcake. The perfect party favor, bathroom decoration, and gift for your trendiest friends. For those of you who know Stella Marie Soaps, you know the scents are to die for and absolutely pure. The locally handmade soaps are all natural, environmentally friendly and named after their maker’s two grandmothers, which adds a little extra charm. Choose from “flavors” like Apple, Lavender, Tea-Rose, Raspberry Mint, and Orange…

For the new Moms, Courtyards is now carrying “Momma’s Jewels” teething necklaces. The concept: One safe and beautiful piece of jewlery you can wear with anything, and let your baby play with too. Choose from one, two, or three linked chunky 100% sterling silver rings, which are elegant when the baby is not chewing them, and adorable when they are.

Mother and daughter couple Sharlene and Wendy have been behind Courtyards for 30 years perfecting the art of buying. “We’re best friends,” says Wendy. And who better to partner with than your best friend? Perhaps that’s why Courtyards is such a special place to be…

Don’t miss Courtyard’s Fall Event next weekend, October 9th from 12-5pm. Maryanna Langolis a local RISD graduate, will be in the store sharing her artistic creations. Visit www.courtyardsltd.com for directions.


 

 

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No Comments | , , , | September 30th, 2011

Books from The Cottage

The Cottage in 4 Corners has been around for just about 8 years, pleasing visitors, and their senses, with defining luxurious home and garden-ware, not to mention an elegant selection of books. Coffee table books, cookbooks, gardening books, and books for just plain old enjoyment are on display, right in the middle of the store, offering pages of foundational decorating and domestic know-how, bound and beautiful in their hardcovers. Books, like candles, blankets, and bubble baths, provide a comforting and fortifying solace– relaxing and inspiring at the same time. With autumn upon us, it’s time to get a blanket, or a wooden spoon, and get reading.  Here are a few books from The Cottage we happen to love…

Slow Love (For reading in bed, in the bath, or in your pjs)
By Rhode Islander/New Yorker Dominque Browning
This biography/self-help book is more like a good story, the story of hectic working life, confounding love affairs, and what it takes to make the most of life’s simple pleasures, something we can never have enough of.


DR ,”Design Research” (For inspiration and display in any room in the house; the perfect coffee table accouterment.)
By Jane Thompson, co-owner of DR, and Alexandria Langue
Before the Cottage, owner Nancy Hemenway worked as part of the Design Research team, the lifestyle design company from which all lifestyle design companies spawned (think Crate and Barrel, and Design with in Reach). While the legacy of the modern design phenomenon lives well into popular culture, it has also seeped into Nancy’s distinctive 4 Corners boutique. Read about the history of DR and the lifestyle designs that started it all.

Cucina Simpatica (For simple family meals, or entertaining, an essential guide to delicious italian cuisine)
Whether you love cooking or hate it, this book will be your guide. Simple ingredients and traditional recipes will have you drooling with delight and patting yourself on the back at the same time. A classic cookbook essential to add to the library.


Happy Reading to you all. Let us know what you’ve been reading lately!

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No Comments | , , , , , | September 20th, 2011

A Fitting Arrangement

There’s something new downstairs from Gallery 4…not to mention something old, borrowed, and blue. Arn Krebs has recently taken up shop, alongside Susan Freda, in a new space devoted to their fine jewelry creations, making heads turn and newly-wed hands sparkle. In their shared, full-service jewlery shop, Arn makes beautiful custom wedding and engagement bands in a variety of styles and metal combinations that can only be described as beautifully…handsome.

Downstairs at 3848 Main Road, the sound of grinding metal and faint smell of sawdust attest to the hard work of something handmade, while the luster of the final products show off Arn’s years of metal and goldsmith talent. The Colorado native has spent over 10 years as a metalsmith, the last 4 of which have been on the East Coast, traveling between Boston and Tiverton, RI. As an artist of an extremely specialized craft, Arn has mastered what it takes to be, simultaneously, creative and utilitarian. His work is unique and precise, and his jewelry “clean, natural, organic, and elegant.“ 

Arn works with mostly reclaimed metals as well  as a colorful selection of rare and luminous gemstones that he and Sue hand-pick in Tuscon, Arizona each year. Diamonds, moonstone, sapphires, labradorite, and opals are just some of the gemstones shining around the shop these days. One of the more unique and symbolic metals he uses is called mokume gane, a beautiful fusion of several precious, layered metals. The modern method of preparing mokume into functional pieces is borrowed from an ancient japanese sword-making technique where metals such as platinum, gold, steel, or silver are combined into a multi-layer billet and then manipulated with heat and pressure into highly choreographed designs.“If you cut the billet in half, it’s a mirror image,” says Arn, a perfect symbol of a symmetrical bond. Partnering with Sue Freda, Arn’s creations likewise represent a harmonious blending of masculine and feminine symmetries.

Arn is a skilled sculptor, carpenter, and designer with both a BFA and MFA in sculpture, and will continue to work with a variety of mediums. But for now he enjoys making wedding jewelry because of its intimate process; ”designing with people…finding what’s important to them and trying to manifest that into something that’s meaningful” is his specialty. As a full service shop, Arn is on hand for repairs and custom orders; he can make or fix just about anything. And, “if we don’t have something, we can get it,” says Arn.

Arn is in the gallery most days, making jewelry, resetting stones, resizing rings, engraving, and experimenting with new designs. Both Sue and Arn are available for consultation by appointment, and will be appearing together in Trade Shows around New England this fall. Bring your jewelry and your friends!

 

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No Comments | , , , , , , | September 7th, 2011

New Designs on the Table

Hurricanes behind us (hopefully), it’s time to bring out the deck furniture and soak up the end of summer and all it’s slow and quiet delight. Warm days and cool evenings make September a perfect month for friendly gatherings. Just in time, Nankeen has introduced a gorgeous new line of table accouterments to accent indoor and outdoor dining and brighten tables with timeless blue and white style. The napkins and placemats come in three patterns, Fish, Butterfly, and Rope. The placemats are reversible, and everything can be thrown in the washing machine, fantastic. Take a look at these 3 beautiful patterns and some simple and fun ways to fold them, because no party’s complete without getting a little fancy!

         

BIRD OF PARADISE

1. Fold napkin in half and in half again.
2. Then fold in half diagonally with points on the top and facing up.
3. Fold left and right sides down along center line, turning their extended points under.
4. Fold in half on long dimension with edges facing out.
5. Pull up points and arrange on a fabric surface.

 

THE GOBLET FAN

1. Fold napkin in half.
2. Pleat from bottom to top.
3. Turn napkin back 1/3 of the way on right (folded) end and place into goblet.
4. Spread out pleats at top

 

CARDINAL’S HAT
 
1. Fold napkin in half diagonally.
2. Fold corners to meet at top point.
3. Turn napkin over with points to the top, fold lower corner 2/3 way up.
4. Fold back onto itself.
5. Bring corners together tucking one into the other. Open base of fold and stand upright.


THE ROSE 


1. Fold all 4 corners of open napkin to center.
2. Fold new corners to center.
3. Turn napkin over and fold all 4 corners to center. Holding center firmly reach under each corner and pull up flaps to form petals.
4. Reach between petals and pull flaps from underneath.

 

Have fun with these, share with friends, enjoy!
All napkin designs found at marko.com 

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No Comments | , , | September 1st, 2011

From Oceans Away

Of all the events that took place at at Four Corners this summer, this one was probably the most glamorous. Lustrous pearls arrived at Tiffany Peay from Austrailia and beyond, in the hands of Pamela Fox, a “gemologist” specializing in gorgeous, quality pearls. Traditional and unusual cuts and colors were displayed on the glass countertops of Tiffany Peay’s fine jewelry boutique, and they did more than look pretty. The pearls were inspiration for tons of new looks by Tiffany.

“This is agriculture at it’s best,” said Pamela, who’s from Sydney, Australia and has spent a career collecting and distributing pearls, gems, and diamonds. Peter Tirpaeck of Studio by the Sea of Little Compton was also on hand to service jewelry brought in by customers. The pearls seemed to glow and sparkle with ease, but the process of harvesting them proves to be an extremely lengthy and specific procedure. While fresh water pearls take only 3 months to culture, South Sea varieties can take up to 3 years.

Pamela was only in town for four days, but long after the pearl show Tiffany still has a lot to share about why she loves gems so much. Stop in and fall in love with the looks.

Here are a couple of pictures of girls who just want to have fun, with pearls…

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No Comments | , , | August 23rd, 2011

Retrospective

To capture the essence of something remarkable is the work of an artist; to be able to pass on these glimpses of experience, emotion and reality is the lucid mark of a great one. Harry Nadler, one of the distinctive abstract expressionists of his time has made his mark on art communities around the world and continues to inspire viewers over twenty years after his death. Nadler, who died at age 60, well before his artistic vision was complete, remains a lively part of the art world through his vivid, transcendent works. His paintings, ranging from geometric wall-sized masterpieces to a less characteristic Moroccan portraits, are now showing at Gallery4 through September 25th as part of the much-anticipated retrospective, Harry Nadler 1930-1990, Evolution: Ingres to Geometric Abstraction.

The opening reception was held last Friday where Harry’s wife, Helen Nadler was present amidst the backdrop of her husband’s beautifully positioned pieces. Gallery 4 is representing the estate of Harry Nadler thanks to the support of Helen, an artist herself and now Little Compton resident who has cherished and shared her perspective of Harry’s lifetime as an artist. Her memories are captured in a distinguished book on display at the exhibit, Harry Nadler, Retrospective 1930-1990.” “For Harry the activity of painting was a way of connecting separate realities….His explorations were about weaving the space, and creating the ambiguity of figure and ground… Breaking edges, boundaries, merging the spatial and temporal…”using visual language to express deep ethical concerns.”

Committed to artistic study, Harry found enduring inspiration in European artists such as Cézanne, and felt equally compelled engage with his fellow 20th century community of artists. After studying in California and Europe, Harry set off to fufill his yearnings New York, where he spent much of his post-degree lifetime teaching and studying. Despite is constant immersion in the field, he maintained a unique style.  “Nadler was unlike most artsits of our time because he never felt the compulsion to find any “trademark,” or signature motif. He had a refreshing confidence in his own originality…”

The transformation of Harry’s works can be followed through his lifetime; this exhibit showcases 60 years of transformation, thought, and perspective. John Spike, a close friend of Harry had the pleasure of witnessing his artistic evolution. “It is obvious from this retrospective exhibition that even in the very last works…Nadler was employing to the upmost every aspect of the age and experience and talent and intellect that were granted him in this life.” As you wander the inspirational space, feel the walls and gallery owners shine as they know they have something really special here.

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No Comments | , , , | August 17th, 2011

Celebrating Diversity

August 9th is World Indigenous Peoples Day. Celebrated internationally, today honors the richness of culture in the lives of indigenous communities around the globe, as well as the amazing progress of groups like Cultural Survival to protect their rights and traditions. Last weekend we welcomed back dozens of native artisans to Tiverton Four Corners as part of the annual Cultural Survival Bazaar, an international fund and awareness-raising event which took place in front of the Arts Center.

Musical performances, storytelling, and native talks took the stage for two days straight, while representatives from over a dozen countries sold beautiful handmade goods under the cool shade of the event tent.

Cultural Survival has been around for almost 40 years as a instigator for improving the lives of hundreds of indigenous communities. Defined by their small numbers, unique languages and traditions, and faithful connection to their land, indigenous peoples face increasingly prejudiced and often hostile barriers to maintaining their lifestyles and basic human rights. CS partners with indigenous populations, by their invitation only, to protect these rights and help create programs that allow communities to govern their own way of life. In a small amount of time the inter-racial staff and board of directors has lead the organization to secure dozens of self-sustaining programs and strategies protecting indigenous voices, languages, habitats, and political independence, and of course the beautiful traditions of music and craft.

David Favreau, the marketing director for Cultural Survival organizes the Bazaar in Four Corners which brought over 4,000 visitors in two days; the event estimates around 35,000 American visitors each year and hopes to expand it’s reach in the US to outside of New England in the coming years. David spoke with passion for the cause, expressing his enthusiastic desire to bring back human diversity in a world where colonialism remains dominant. Even with our modern 21st century mentality, indigenous communities are still a subject for devastating subordination. David became involved with CS after learning of its mission, and is proud of the organization’s increasingly diverse staff, which speaks to Cultural Survival’s steady progress in establishing universal human rights.

If you have time, take a moment today to visit the Cultural Survival website where you can read about specific artists and performers at the Bazaars, indigenous communities around the world, and how to get involved. If you missed the Bazaar this year you can also see the fall and winter Bazaar schedule online. There are upcoming CS events in and around Cambridge, Massachussetts where the first Bazaar started in 2005. Happy World Indigenous People’s Day!

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No Comments | , , , | August 9th, 2011

Bringing Back the Elephants

Years ago Bob Smith stumbled upon a village of elephants in Thailand. Not just any village of elephants, this one happened to house the talented variety. At the Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang, Thailand, elephants learn to paint, and do a pretty good job. With the help of  “mahouts,” or elephant caregivers, the animals produce a variety of masterpieces including paintings of themselves, trees, flowers, and a crowd favorite: colorful abstracts.

“People have an affinity for elephants,” says Bob, as he described their gentle and tactile nature. The majestic way they walk, stand, and paint elicit an awe-inspired response from onlookers, and just like humans when they paint, “you can see the concentration in their face.” Although there’s record of elephant paintings much earlier, the practice at the Elephant Conservation Center started in the early 90’s when partnering graphic artists Komar and Melamid came to the reservation as teachers. Now, years later, the elephants are naturals. While none are forced to paint, many pick up the brush because they love it.

Many of the elephant’s abstract paintings bear a striking resemblance to the work of Joan Mitchell, a 20th century expressionist painter known for her bold, emotional strokes and vivid mix of colors. The elephants seem to mimic this style with similarly-intense brush strokes, filling the canvas with amazing affection. Even more remarkable is uniqueness of each elephant; it’s not difficult to distinguish the hand of the artist, or in this case, the trunk.

The country has just under 3,000 domesticated elephants and the ECC works to nurture all aspects of their well-being. They are one of the only reservations with an on-site hospital, and mahouts provide around-the-clock care for the elephants, training, bathing, feeding, and painting with them. These enormous creatures are naturally emotional and intelligent, and painting provides a means of expression not often available to non-human breeds.

This is Bob Smith’s eighth year at Gallery4 under Wander Imports, a name for his collection of Chinese and Southeast Asian artwork, including furniture and decorative pieces. Bob gallery space is showing the elephant paintings through September 5th at 3848 Main Road in 4Corners. To learn more about this art form you can talk with Bob or his partners Sue, Elaine, and Alix at Gallery4 anytime. The book When Elephants Paint is also a helpful resource and available for browsing at Gallery4.

It’s a must-see exhibit you’ll never forget.

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2 Comments | , , , , , | August 4th, 2011

And the Winner Goes To…

Because everyone uses their cell phones to take pictures, and because the art of photography could be that simple, or much more complex, this year’s T4C Photography Show had options. Applicants were invited to submit cell phone photos, digital photos, or manuel photos, and the results were widely varied, including the expected, and the unexpected.

The annual event doesn’t always provide this flexibility, and despite the optional submission categories, the photographers had to work with some restrictions this year, mainly the 8×10 size. Jennifer Sunderland director of the T4C Arts Center organizes the event and found this aspect a surprising challenge for some. Since many photographers don’t usually need to limit photo sizes, this was a kind of artistic curveball. ”They really had to adapt,”  said Jennifer.

Sally Swart of Cantin Photography volunteered to jury the show this year, drawing on her unique perspective as a professional in the field, and her love for the craft. Sally is showcasing a selection of her own professional works at the show, including a photo taken for the historical collection”First Light: Sakonnet 1660-1820.” It depicts the impending hurricane of 1815 in Little Compton, where a young boy stands against his farm house tightly clutching a Rhode Island Red. Moody skies, wandering chickens, and the boy’s ominous expression make up the careful composition, creating a unique perspective of the time. According to Sally, perspective is an invaluable tool in photographic art. Although she herself uses digital equipment, Sally prefers to take photos the old fashioned way, “I’m like the dinosaur that would not give up,” she says. Her studio is located adjacent to the Meeting House where the winners are on display.

You can see the framed photographs submitted by both seasoned and novice contributing artists at the Meeting House through August 2nd. Whether youre’re a photographer or local passerby, be your own judge of this year’s photos. But before reading the captions, see if you can tell who used a cell phone, who snapped a digital, and who captured a moment the old fashioned way.

 

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No Comments | August 1st, 2011

Now Showing @ 4Corners: Victoria Monroe Gallery

We’re now on to the third round of gallery art showing in the new space in 4 Corners, and this one is just as exceptional as the first two. The Victoria Monroe Gallery resides on Newbury street in Boston, and temporarily showing part of their selection at the Visiting Artist Gallery (3848 Main Rd) through August 10th. The gallery features mostly French pencil and watercolor drawings, masterful in their intricate details, and vivid hand-done coloring.

Much of the drawings’ beauty rests in their scientific origins. Long before photography, 18th and 19th Century amateur naturalists created botanical still lifes for study. Purely observational, the drawing’s represent the unique perspective of the time period. “A lot of these people didn’t even consider themselves artists,” said Adelaide of the VM Gallery. Fish, fruit, and botanicals come to life in their original ink and pencil form, so realistic, that, at first glance, they appear to be prints, but don’t be fooled.

The architecture pieces on exhibit likewise represent a historical reverence. “Late 18th century artists and architects made pilgrimages to the great monuments throughout Europe to study and sketch them in person,” says Victoria. The featured french works demonstrate dualy the classical and academic world; the drawing below by Jules-Germain Oliver is stamped with approval across its middle likely by a late professor.

In addition to European works the gallery is also showing a selection by a contemporary Indian artist. The small pieces are so rich in color and remarkable detail that the works take on a larger-than-life culture and history right in their place on the wall.

Stop by the gallery and admire the works of past and present artists, scientists, and architects. As Victoria says, “lifted out of the context of their time, we see them through the prism of our own.”

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No Comments | , , | July 28th, 2011