Artisans to sell wares, support causes at Beth-El Sisterhood Marketplace

PROVIDENCE — Who doesn’t love to purchase special, handmade items for gift giving?

All kinds of unique treasures will be up for sale Sunday, Nov. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El’s fourth annual Artisan Marketplace at the synagogue, located at 70 Orchard Ave. This event is co-chaired by Beth-El members Judy Goldberg and Mona Goldenberg.

The event features the work of many Rhode Island-based artists, several of whom are returning to the Artisan Marketplace. These include members Lesley Bogad, a potter who creates mugs, bowls, vases and Judaica, including seder plates; Henry Goldenberg, a photographer and Mona’s husband; and Jonathan Kabak, a professional mariner and maritime educator who has a passion for woodworking.

Additional returning artists include Erin Hazlett of The Violet Orange, who combines fabrics with multiple patterns, often with boldly juxtaposed colors and designs to create bags, scarves and other home décor items; Laurie Olefson of Olefson Art Opticals, who creates the largest selection of handmade readers in Rhode Island with flowers, wood veneers, flocking and gold and silver leaf; Roberta Shapiro of Fuzzy Goods, which showcases multi-colored wool felted trivets and coasters designed and made by hand, with all profits donated to the R.I. Community Food Bank.

New artists this year include Jenine Bressner Fireworks, a Rhode Island-based artist who crafts wearable glass and textile art jewelry for boldly stylish individuals; Cory Clinton of Coclin Sculptural Lighting, a sculptor based out of Providence who uses wire mesh, plastics and epoxy resin to create light fixtures; Sam Couto, artisan creator and owner of The Crafty Roses, which focuses on sustainable, handmade bath, body and home fragrance products; Kelly Davis and Jen Grady of Coastline Candles, LLC, who create distinctive, high quality luxury candles using eco-friendly, renewable soy wax sourced in the United States, all of which are phthalate and paraben free; and Kobe Jackson, a RISD alum whose Lunchbreak Bags feature one-off designs made from vegetable-tanned cow hides. The leather used in the bags is scrap from a handbag factory in Providence.

In addition, the Marketplace will also host a Scholastic Book Fair, allowing shoppers to stock up on books for the children in their life.

“As you can see, the Artisan Marketplace features the talents of many Rhode Island-based creators, and the Sisterhood is delighted to host them at our highly anticipated event!” said one of the organizers.

A portion of the proceeds support Sisterhood initiatives throughout the year, such as Ronald McDonald Make-a-Meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, Birthday-in-a-Box’s program to provide a birthday party for children in homelessness or hardship, and support of the Rabbi Leslie Yale Gutterman Religious School.

These initiatives were chosen because they exemplify the Sisterhood’s commitment to tikun olam (repairing the world).

Shoppers are invited to stop by the Brotherhood Bagel Café for camaraderie and a nosh of bagel and lox as well.

Organizers say they look forward to seeing you on Nov. 8 between 9:30 am-3:30 pm.

NANCY BIANCH is the director of communications and human relations for Temple Beth El.