Gifts that make your heart sing
Hand-blown glass, pottery, jewelry, wood and metal from about 75 American artists, a third of them right here in Rhode Island. Every piece has a maker, and we'll happily tell you their story.
Find something made by hand
Five rooms of work, chosen one artist at a time.
Glass
Blown vases, bowls, ornaments and oil lamps
Pottery
Vases, goblets, dishes and sculpture
Jewelry
Pearls, glass, porcelain and silver
Wood & metal
Clocks, boards, frames and trivets
Scarves, art & more
Fine art, photographs and home accents
Also in the shop: Judaica, handmade soaps, greeting cards, photographs, wind chimes and seasonal ornaments.
A small shop with a lot of heart
Susan Shapiro and Jim Carroll opened Art & Soul on Gaspee Days weekend in 2005. After thirty years of helping other people start businesses, Susan decided to take her own advice.
The idea was simple: there are so many talented people in this state and this country, so why not share them? Today the shelves hold work from about 75 artists, and the back room is a small gallery for local painters and photographers.
- Meet the makers. We know the artists personally and can tell you how each piece was made.
- Help when you want it. Tell us who it's for and we'll pull a few ideas together.
- Wrapped and ready. Free gift wrapping on every purchase.
New on the shelves
A few favorites from Rhode Island and beyond. Tap any piece for a closer look.
What our customers say
Rated 5.0 on Google.
★★★★★My favorite place when I need something special. Susan patiently helps me choose something and gift wraps it too.
★★★★★A hidden gem. Jim was able to tell me about the artists and their story, making everything unique and meaningful.
★★★★★Great program and shop. We enjoyed the class and our visit to Art & Soul.
The Gallery and workshops
The back room changes with the seasons. We host exhibits by Rhode Island artists, opening receptions where you can meet them, and small hands-on classes.
Past shows have featured Warwick painter Antoinette Campbell-Hunter and many others. Workshops are kept small so everyone gets time with the instructor.
Come say hello
Free parking out front. We're a short walk from the Pawtuxet Village bridge.
Art & Soul Gifts
2007 Broad Street, Cranston, RI 02905
Shop hours
| Tuesday to Friday | 10 to 6 |
| Saturday | 10 to 5 |
| Sunday | 12 to 4 |
| Monday | Closed |
Call or write
Gift wrapping
Every purchase, wrapped free while you wait.
Holiday hours
Extended evenings from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.
The Collections
Everything here was made by hand by an American or Canadian artist. Pieces change often, so think of this as a sample of what you'll find in the shop. Call ahead if you're looking for something specific.
Glass
Hand-blown vases, bowls, bud vases, oil lamps and heart ornaments, including Rhode Island glassblower Daniel Read.
Pottery
Functional stoneware and sculptural pieces from studios in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Oregon and California.
Jewelry
Pearl, glass, porcelain and silver pieces, many from Rhode Island designers like Blue i Design.
Wood & metal
Clocks, cribbage boards, cutting boards and wine stoppers turned in Rhode Island, plus forged metal accents.
Also in the shop: Judaica, handmade soaps, greeting cards, photographs and seasonal ornaments.
Looking for something specific?
Tell us the occasion and a budget. We'll set a few pieces aside and send you photos before you come in.
The Gallery & Classes
Behind the shop is a small gallery for Rhode Island artists. Every few months the walls change, and we celebrate each new show with an evening reception. Between shows, we run hands-on workshops for small groups.
Coming up
Receptions are free and open to everyone. Workshops need a reserved seat.
Opening reception: Winter Light
Paintings and photographs of the Rhode Island coast in the off-season. Meet the artists, light refreshments.
Workshop: Fused glass ornaments
Design two glass ornaments to take home after firing. All materials included. Limited to 8 people.
Small Business Saturday
Meet several of our Rhode Island makers in the shop, with demonstrations throughout the day.
Workshop: Hand-painted silk scarf
Learn resist and dye techniques and leave with a finished scarf. Limited to 6 people.
Holiday open house
Extended hours, free gift wrapping and a little something sweet while you shop.
Around the shop and gallery
A look inside, from the front windows to the gallery wall.
Show your work in the Gallery
We're always meeting new Rhode Island painters, photographers and mixed-media artists. If you'd like to be considered for a future exhibit, send us a few images and a short note.
Book a private workshop
Birthday, bridal shower or team outing? We can host up to 10 guests after hours for a hands-on craft session.
Our story
Art & Soul is an eclectic gift shop that delights customers with a collection of quality, contemporary crafts by American artists and artisans, in a welcoming shop with old-fashioned customer service.
Taking our own advice
For thirty years, Susan Shapiro counseled people on starting their own businesses. In 2005 she and her husband Jim Carroll decided it was their turn, and opened Art & Soul at 2007 Broad Street during the Gaspee Days Parade, right on the line between Cranston and Warwick.
From the start the goal was to show off the remarkable craftspeople working in Rhode Island and across the country. Today we carry work by about 75 artists. Roughly a third live here in Rhode Island, including Warwick jewelry makers and local glassblower Daniel Read.
We buy from artists we know, and we love telling customers how each piece was made. That's what turns a nice present into a meaningful one.
Where our makers work
A sample of the studios on our shelves right now.
Rhode Island
Daniel Read, Henrietta, RoseberryWinn, Blue i Design, Joseph Spaziano, David Michel
New England and New York
Luke Adams, Lori Bradley and Leave It To Weaver in Massachusetts; Deanna in New York
South and Midwest
Renaissance Glass Works and Martin Henry in North Carolina, Daamon Jewelry in Arkansas, Prairie Dance in South Dakota
West Coast and Canada
Harry Leaf, Colleen Toland and Gina in California, Newman Ceramic Works in Oregon, Buick in Canada
For artists
We're always looking for American-made work with personality: glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood, metal, textiles and fine art.
- Send a few images of your current work, with sizes and wholesale or consignment prices.
- Tell us about your process and where you work. Our customers love the story.
- We'll reply within two weeks and set up a time to see pieces in person.
Visit us
You'll find us on Broad Street at the Cranston and Warwick line, a short walk from Pawtuxet Village and the Gaspee Days parade route.
Art & Soul Gifts
2007 Broad Street, Cranston, RI 02905
Shop hours
| Tuesday to Friday | 10 to 6 |
| Saturday | 10 to 5 |
| Sunday | 12 to 4 |
| Monday | Closed |
Call or write
Gift wrapping
Every purchase, wrapped free while you wait.
Holiday hours
Extended evenings from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.
Send us a note
Ask about a piece, reserve a workshop seat or RSVP to a reception. Susan or Jim will reply within a day.
Gift cards
Not sure what they'd love? An Art & Soul gift card lets them choose for themselves. Available in any amount, in the shop or by phone, and we'll mail it for you.