Whenever I can, I love to stop in to visit local galleries. The Lily Pad Gallery has the most…read moreamazing works in what seems to be a carefully curated collection. There were immediately several artists that caught my attention. One was the art of Victor Mirabelli whose large abstract landscapes In muted haunting tones were beautiful. The other was H M Saffer II, whose brightly colored landscapes with a pointillist style were happy and joyful. While the gallery contained mainly paintings there were some sculptures that I inquired about (see pictures) but sadly I didn't get the name of the artist. They were beautifully delicate, lacy sculptures of women that showed great motion and expression. I am not sure but it may have been the gallery owner who was there to answer my questions, she seemed to be very passionate about the art and the gallery. I could tell right away that she knew her art and was happy to share her knowledge. I put myself on the mailing list and look forward to visiting again!

From the owner: Lily Pad Gallery offers the finest quality realism, naturalism, impressionism and abstract works of…read moreart from all over the world. We offer complimentary interior design services, virtual hanging online and will hang works purchased within a 50 mile radius of our gallery!

My friend Sherry mentioned this gallery, improbably located at the Amtrak station located just…read moreoutside downtown Westerly. I was skeptical but as I had a couple of hours to kill before an event at the United Theater I had nothing to lose by stopping in. I was shocked, shocked I tell you, to discover what a find this gallery was. I love art, museums, and galleries, and this was well worth my time. There are several rooms of art ranging from jewelry to glassware, pottery, prints, paintings and more. I had no intention of buying anything and I was tempted by the paintings, most of which were in my price range, but succumbed to a gorgeous bracelet, a charming bowl, and a set of wine glasses (all shown below). The person at the front desk greeted me but then let me roam to my heart's content. When I checked out she explained that the gallery rotated its items on a monthly basis (I think that's what she said). I spent an hour there appreciating every one of the items on display; the prices varied so you are sure to find something there at your price point. There was also a special small exhibit featuring African American artists, which I very much appreciated as an African-American myself. This gallery is a hidden gem. One more reason for me to return to the town of Westerly soon, and I am sure not to leave empty-handed!

I was entertaining guests for the holiday season and wanted very much to visit the gallery…read more A few days ago, we stopped by the front door and checked the hours they were open. According to the posting on the front door, they are open on Wednesdays. Today, we checked the website and and verified the hours they were open as well as Google indicated they were open. We drove all the way to Westerly only to find the place closed up tight. No where did it say they were going to be closed today. We are very disappointed in the lack of communications as to their actual hours. The only avenue we did not exercise was to make a telephone call to verify they would be open. Lesson learned on our part. If they cannot adequately advertise the hours they will be open, they should at least tell people who visit their website, to CALL FIRST; before showing up to closed doors. We gave this place every opportunity but we will not bother going back. If their communication skills are any indication of how the place is managed, I do not think it is worth our while to visit. I am thinking they are closed because there is nothing on Exhibit. The walls were vacant. If there is nothing on Exhibit and you take the time to announce the next Exhibit on your website, you might want to inform potential visitors that the Gallery is CLOSED between Exhibits. Most reputable art galleries have rotating exhibits. This allows the Gallery to be open daily and a variety of artists to display on a rotating basis. We are very disappointed but thanks for an important lesson. Trust no one without a call first.

The South County Art Association is a nonprofit that offers both a fine art gallery with a small…read moregift shop and classes in painting, printmaking, stone carving, and pottery. The studio classes are not well advertised and are sort of a "best-kept secret" of the South County art scene. Not many commercial studios have the resources that the SCAA has. The pottery studio (or "Pot Shop") in particular is fabulous. Small but well-stocked, with frequent firings in both gas and electric kilns, as well as on-demand raku firings (for the price of labor and gas), there isn't a better place to do pottery. Classes allow unlimited studio access, and the usual Pottery I and II are usually augmented with specialty class or two and workshops that bring in well-regarded potters from all over New England to demonstrate personal techniques. The members are convivial, too -- Monday morning coffees for work and socializing are generally well-attended. All SCAA members get to participate in the juried member shows and the Holiday Sale, as well as other annual events like The Great Art Heist.

South County Art Association is a very well run organization…read more The folks are really welcoming and friendly. The exhibitions are hung to perfection. Its a great place to be a member.

great works. a wide variety of styles and mediums. has been an excellent part of the community for…read moreyears.

From the owner: Hera is a proactive community of artists who are passionate about bringing fine art to South…read moreCounty, Rhode Island and the larger community. Hera Gallery promotes a professional artistic presence for emerging and established artists who are dedicated to their creative practice. In addition to a full schedule of exhibitions, Hera strives to engage the public through programming such as lectures, talks, film and video screenings, performance and spoken word. Established in 1974, Hera Gallery is a non-profit artist-run arts organization that has continued to stimulate discussion and challenge perceptions for over 40 years.

Great assistance and very nice work! I brought in two small items I needed to have framed. The…read moreproprietor was very patient and had good suggestions as I worked through the choices of frames, mats, glass, and sizes. They were done faster than promised, and they look excellent! You get what you pay for. Chain stores may be faster, but you'll have this on your wall for years to come. Don't you want it done by an expert? I really appreciate the skill and care shown by Black Duck Gallery! (And if you have a little wait time, you can enjoy their gallery of art and prints for sale at very reasonable prices!)

From the owner: Black Duck Gallery offers works of art by local and regional artists featuring local scenes by…read moreWalter Reynolds, watercolors and oils by Frederick Kubitz, AWS, ASMA, oils by Charles Liguori, pastels by Suzanne Dickson Albert, oils by Burl Dawson and copper block etchings by Matthew Smith, along with a nice selection of hand-carved birds. We also enjoy offering the finest quality custom picture framing and look forward to designing the framing that will bring out the very best in your work of art.

Very pleasant shop and experience. The staff is super patient and have a great eye. I've had three…read moreoil paintings framed here in the past month and love every single one. Still have a few more need framing and look forward to getting them done here!

Picture This does a terrific job for all your custom framing needs. I've had 2 projects done and I…read moream so very pleased. They really helped me out with a time sensitive project and exceeded my expectations. There's also a wide array of ready to go prints in their shop for gift giving or your own home decor of local landscapes. Friendly and knowledgable staff and ample parking.