A store for the home

Southern Living, Aug 2001 by Hamilton, Majella Chube

At Artcraft Collection, there's no shortage IL of hand-painted, hand-blown, handprinted, hand-woven, hand-finished, and handmade items. A store burgeoning with contemporary products from American artisans, its wares richly celebrate people, places, and cultures.

Located in Baltimore's historic Savage Mill, with a newer gallery in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, Artcraft is bursting with an array of decorative accessories and furnishings-such as ceramics, pottery, tapestries, metal sculptures, furniture, garden art, and a host of other items. All are created by skilled artisans to add a distinctive touch to your home.

The collections are inspiring and eclectic. Each offers a glimpse of the diverse social and environmental influences at work all across America's landscapes.

Artcraft began nearly eight years ago and continues as a family-owned business. The proprietors are Jay and Sharyn Winer and their son, Adam, who manages day-to-day operations for both stores. As a buyer of more than 400 collections nationwide, Sharyn traverses the country in a quest for unique cultural crafts and the craftspeople who make them.

"Our constant search for new artists makes us successful. We only buy handcrafted products by American artists, including five fiu-niture craftspeople. Few stores provide such a depth of selection," says Adam.

"The words I like to use are 'magical' and `whimsical.' Our customers love the details. Everything has a story and a legacy," adds Kim Albiez, interior designer and store designer for the Alexandria shop.

The gallery features the work of artisans too numerous to mention. But a handful of Southern favorites include hand-painted furniture by David Marsh of Texas, metal sculpture by Fred Garbotz of Florida, and vessel pottery by Annette Macke of Maryland.

"Of special interest is the Home Collection, where art, furniture, and contemporary crafts are blended together to create room settings. This gives our customers ideas about how to incorporate original pieces into their homes," says Adam. Majella Chube Hamilton

WHERE TO START

Here are some tips for blending fanciful accent pieces with your own treasures.

* Start with something small such as a picture, lamp, or end table.

* When looking for interesting accent pieces, it is important to consider color, texture, and function.

* Color can serve as a great source of inspiration and stimulation. Don't be afraid to try pieces in several shades of one color or to allow a degree of contrast to provide greater interest.

* Textures, patterns, and shapes create personality in a room. Select accessories with variations in surface characteristics, designs, height, and detailing.

* When you shop, look for items and ideas that reflect the things that interest you. Be aware of the story you tell in each room of your home, and search for objects that underscore those themes. If it strikes your fancy, it's worth a second look.