Margaret Carleton and Devienna Anggraini believe that art can shape a community. The co-owners of Craftland, both artists themselves, have been on the forefront of Providence’s craft movement for over a decade. Their colorful boutique offers Rhode Island’s largest collection of handmade art. “We display and sell the work of over 100 artists, many of them your friends and neighbors,” Margaret says. With a core mission of carrying all handmade in the USA and Canada, the shop boasts that nearly half of their artists are local.
Originally from Boston, Margaret has a BFA in painting and a MFA in printmaking. She started making lamps and jewelry out of melted plastic Mardi Gras beads in 2002, the same year she opened Craftland as a holiday-only store. Devienna made her way to Providence by way of Oregon, where she received her BFA in metalsmithing and jewelry. She graduated RISD with an MFA in jewelry and light metals in 2006, and later that year joined Craftland as the holiday pop-up manager. Margaret, along with another business partner, took the ultimate leap in 2009 and made the all-handmade shop a year-round store. In addition to designing and making jewelry for her DA Metals line, Devienna became a Craftland co-owner a year later.
Brightly colored and filled with fun one-of-a-kind items, Craftland is a creative superstore. Jewelry, housewares, clothing and greeting cards are just a sampling of the affordable art for sale. “I am proud to have helped create a space that showcases some of the amazing work being done in our community, and that the community continues to support us,” Margaret says. “It’s so rewarding to sustain a thriving business that empowers artists and advocates for handmade objects,“ Devienna adds.
As Craftland celebrates its 15th year of connecting artisans with the community, Margaret and Devienna are excited about a new venture at TF Green airport with partner SouveNEAR. “We’ll be selling RI made souvenirs out of vending machines, and also showing visitors how creative our state is,” says Devienna. “Buying handmade and local supports what makes Providence the best possible place to live!” Margaret says.
212 Westminster Street, Providence | 272-4285
craftlandshop.com
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