What, When, Where: Warren, Rhode Island

By Lisa E. Harrison

I admittedly didn’t have to travel far to find inspiration for today’s post. A recent conversation with a neighbor got me thinking about the bounty in my own backyard. Warren, Rhode Island–the smallest town in the smallest state–has a contagious creative spirit that’s unrivaled by towns triple the size. Increasingly celebrated as an artists’ haven (I couldn’t begin to guess the painters per capita), Warren is also home to a passionate group crafting furniture and accessories for the home.

In one rehabbed mill building alone, 30 Cutler Street, there’s a creative cadre that’s doing their part to help shape the future of design. Here are three to keep an eye on:

At O&G Studio, former RISD pals Sara Ossana (she’s an architect and set designer) and Jonathan Glatt (he’s a jewelry designer) merged talents to create a stunning line of modern furniture and accessories that nod to the past.

Made of solid ash, the Buck Dining Table is O&G’s take on the traditional sawbuck table. Photo courtesy of O&G Studios

The new Colt Settee, handmade in American Maple, features a simple seat profile, stretcher-less legs and a dramatic steam bent comb. Photo courtesy of O&G Studios.

Felicia Hwang Bishop founded Hwang Bishop Designs in 1994. Her company specializes in statement-making high-end lighting and furniture for residential and commercial spaces. Her pieces are made to order and custom designs are welcome.

The “Incense†table lamp is part of the Atelier line. Individually made clay columns are scored and slipped, then the piece is bisqued, hand glazed, and high fired for a lustrous finish. Photo courtesy of Hwang Bishop

The “Linen Fold†side table in gold leaf with red clay accent. Photo courtesy of Hwang Bishop

Ceramicist Pat Warwick, also a RISD alum, creates tiles and custom installations, many of them inspired by the sea. Warwick’s work, from mirrors and murals to backsplashes and tables, can be done to spec.

“Breaching Whale,†a custom tile installation. Photo courtesy of Pat Warwick 

“Crab,†individually hand-embossed and hand-glazed tiles. Photo courtesy of Pat Warwick

Like what you see? Check out our editors’ finds from other areas of New England:

Kent, Connecticut

Cape & Islands

Portsmouth, New Hampshire