BY LINDA DeNICOLA
Staff Writer
Two women entrepreneurs have formed a partnership to promote local artisans by making their prolific outpourings available to the public at affordable prices.
All of 40 square feet, the Artisans Annex, although small, carries a large collection of decorative, whimsical, functional, wearable, inspirational, playful and original creations by local artisans.
Robertshaw, of Red Bank, and Carol Tarpey, of Middletown, have been friends for a number of years. Both work as party planners, and during a recent conversation Robertshaw said she would like to have a little shop where they could show the work of local artists.
Tarpey responded, “Let’s do it.”
So they did. They rented space in the Downtown Antiques and Collectibles gallery on Monmouth Street in Red Bank and named it Artisans Annex.
“Monmouth Street is the hottest place in town. Downtown Antiques and Collectibles has proven to be the perfect location for Artisans Annex. The antiques shop is filled with interesting antiques and items from every decade, including vintage clothes and new and vintage jewelry from 25 different dealers.” Robertshaw said. “We are a perfect fit.”
The tiny space tucked in the back of the antiques gallery is chock full of a variety of items as well as arts and crafts that blend with antiques, but are actually new and original.
“We want to make artwork available and affordable to anyone who appreciates quality and originality. Having worked with First Night Red Bank in the mid-1990s through 2001, I became involved in the arts community in Monmouth County,” Robertshaw said.
“It is wonderful to experience the growth of the Monmouth County arts community. Artists want to create, they can’t stop themselves. But they need to sell so they can keep creating. Artisans Annex is the place for that.”
The wares at Artisans Annex are inspired by the interests of each partner. Tarpey likes arts and crafts, and Robertshaw leans toward fine art.
“She’s more mainstream,” Robertshaw said, adding, “I like a more eclectic style.”
But they both love the art and craft output of one of the most prolific of the artists, Penny Ticehurst. “She has both qualities, the fine artist and the fine craftswoman,” Robertshaw said.
Ticehurst, a Shrewsbury resident, is known for her watercolors of local spots all around Monmouth County. Her work varies from oils, watercolors and acrylics to fun collage pieces.
One wall of the small space holds Ticehurst’s “Reflections of Red Bank,” a series of small watercolors depicting places around town like the Dublin House and the Broadway Diner.
Pinky, a well-known Red Bank artist, is also a prolific creative spirit. Her output includes one-of-a-kind handbags, dog collars, wine stoppers and more under her “Pinky Originals” label.
“Pinky has put aside her fine artist’s brushes and paints to create magically playful art. Each work is truly unique making for a collection that is authentically Pinky,” Robertshaw said.
In addition, Pinky paints portraits in the “flavor of Matisse,” Robertshaw noted. “Pinky can be commissioned to do paintings – in the Pinky style, of course.”
Among the other artists featured is Laurie Ruggieri, of Middletown, who creates furniture pieces to enhance or inspire indoor and outdoor settings.
“They include painted tables, chairs, dressers, boxes, just about anything to which you can apply paint. She can find the pieces you want painted or take your own furniture and give it a new look. She is also known for her murals,” Robertshaw said.
James Racioppi, of Asbury Park, is the artistic director of Papermoon Puppet Theatre in Atlantic Highlands, but his talent goes beyond creating fabulous marionettes, Robertshaw said.
“His scenic paintings are soft and alluring. He also paints portraits,” she added.
Functional, as well as beautiful, pottery by Sandra Talarico, of Little Silver, is also shown in the shop. Her creations include teapots and dishes.
In addition, Tarpey’s vintage-inspired beaded bracelets are for sale as well as headbands for babies and belts made of men’s ties, pottery berry bowls and framed photography.
“We would like to show more photographs like Sue Fostier’s photography embedded in paperweights,” Robertshaw said.
“Our goal is to include all types of art forms and artists,” Tarpey said, adding, “We are in search of more artists to represent. They can stop in the shop on Sundays or e-mail [email protected] for information.
“We are also creating a database of artists for architectural and family portraits, home stylists, outdoor garden and sculpture artists.”
Artisans Annex can also connect those wishing to have their house, interior and exterior, immortalized in a painting or sketch with the appropriate artist. Murals and other artwork can also be commissioned.
Robertshaw said that the artists the shop represents are so creative that she can’t keep up with the number of items they produce.
“These are people that can’t not create. Every time I go to visit one of them, they have new work to show me.”
She and Tarpey are creating a space for the arts and a place to connect local artists and art collectors. Both believe they can compete with other galleries in town.
“The more the merrier in Red Bank,” Robertshaw said.
Downtown Antiques and Collectibles, located at 27 Monmouth St., is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.