Artisan boutique grand opening Saturday

By ohtadmin | on August 03, 2023

A collection of handmade designs at Blossom Artisan Boutique on 24 Narragansett Ave. The shop will celebrate its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. PHOTOS BY KAREN BOLCH

A new boutique in the heart of Jamestown will open its doors for a grand opening Aug. 5 to showcase its eclectic display of gifts, jewelry, art and furniture, which are almost entirely handmade by New England women.

Liz Goldberg, along with being one of the designers whose products are for sale, is the owner of Blossom Artisan Boutique at 24 Narragansett Ave. She signed the lease in June and had a soft opening Saturday. The boutique sells nearly all handmade items, including couches, throw pillows, beds, jewelry, soaps and pottery.

“Ninety-five percent of everything sold is completely handmade,” Goldberg said. “Right now, all the creators are women.”

The youngest artist on display is a 16-year-old who makes baby toys called plushies through the art of crocheting. The oldest artist is 88 years old and paints watercolors. All their furniture is customizable, including any embroidery, which is done by hand. Goldberg said the pieces are all high-end quality with “precise, exquisite craftsmanship.”

Owner Liz Goldberg at her desk. A native of Glastonbury, Conn., she has owned an interior design firm for more than 40 years.

Goldberg graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1980 with a degree in interior design and then went on to work at an architectural firm. She went back to school in 1988 for the graduate program for interior designers in Manhattan at the Parsons School of Design.

Goldberg said she has always dreamt of opening a boutique, but as an interior designer, she started with a workroom in 2017 by making furniture and draperies. She would help other designers, and her clients, to understand the details and construction of her pieces.

“I enjoy making things and seeing things made,” she said. “I enjoy construction. I enjoy all aspects of design.”

Originally from Glastonbury, Conn., Goldberg owns a handmade furniture store called The Custom Shop in her hometown. She also is the principal of Goldberg Design, which she established in 1988.

Goldberg was introduced to Jamestown by her partner, Charlie, who also encouraged her to open her dream boutique in the quaint village. Her dream has now become a reality, and Goldberg said she couldn’t have picked a better community.

“Everyone here is so nice, supportive and friendly,” she said. “It’s so welcoming and encouraging.”

The hours of the boutique are not yet set in stone as Goldberg continues to look for help. The grand opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday will be followed by open hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Goldberg is inviting the community to stop by, say hello and browse the boutique.

“It’s kind of my dream come true,” she said.