West Elm has launched a new local assortment at the Fenway store in Boston, showcasing a small selection of stand-out Boston-area artisans. Boston is one of six markets for which West Elm chose to do this. Introducing local is part of West Elm’s larger commitment to its stores’ communities. The goal is to grow each store’s local offerings significantly; they are actively sourcing potential partners. (You can even send suggestions to [email protected].)
The eight Massachusetts makers are Jennifer Hill of J.Hill Design, Shannon Wallack of Shanman Clay Co., Culinarium Kitchenware, Jessica Harrington of Re-Studios, Cara Taylor of Taylor Ceramics, Whitney Elizabeth of Whitney Somerville, Alice Saunders of Forest Bound, and Brian Johnson of The Uncommon Green.
The Fenway store is hosting a launch party from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 1. In the meantime, here’s a sampling of their work.
J. Hill Design
Jennifer Hill’s modern travel posters highlight Boston pride and celebrate local sports teams. And she doesn’t just sit and her studio and design, she actually goes places. Choose from ready-made prints or commission one.
Shanman Clay Co.
Mud slinger Shannon Wallack makes playful ceramic geo-shaped planters adorned with colorful, multidimensional glazes.
Culinarium Kitchenware
This Plum Island company hand-crafts concrete kitchenware with eco-friendly materials, like concrete, recycled marble dust, rubber, and cork.
Re-studios
Boston-based interior designer Jessica Harrington makes art prints depicting bold images of iconic Boston landmarks and geography are created with typography.
Taylor Ceramics
Functional wares combine a love of gardening and floral design in a line of hand-built and wheel-thrown vessels for plants and flowers. Handmade by Cara Taylor at Celadon Studio in downtown Northampton.
Whitney Somerville
Boston-based surface designer Whitney Elizabeth creates textiles for home, fashion, and baby, made from natural fibers including cotton, linen, silk, and water-based inks.
Forest Bound
Alice Saunders, a Boston-based designer, puts great effort into hunting for well-worn historic fabrics and hardware throughout New England. She uses exclusively found and salvaged textiles for her utilitarian tote bags.
The Uncommon Green
Street maps glassware meld artistry with functionality, practicality with wit, and style with sustainability. They do custom pieces too.
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