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WEAVINGS
ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS
Newport Harbor Island Resort features a curated collection of weavings utilizing different styles and techniques. Over 200 weavings were commissioned from artisans and weaving guilds throughout New England to showcase their uniqueness of style and independent spirit, many of which were made to capture the folklore of the region and New England’s rich legacy of weaving.
Most guestrooms and public spaces feature custom weavings with corresponding QR to learn more about the weaver’s story and vision – connecting our guests with locals, one weaving at a time.
We invite you to learn more about each of the artists and explore their work below, and encourage you to scan any of the QR codes around our resort!
Mary Newbold Brown’s woven pieces feature an overshot structure with a pattern called “Ferns and Flowers,” designed by Rhode Island weaver Bertha Gray Hayes.
Suzi Ballenger’s works are inspired by the diverse colors and textures of the sandy and rocky ocean shores of Rhode Island.
Jami Star designed her pieces with the stunning seaside of Rhode Island in mind – drawing inspiration from the sand, water, and sky.
Cathy English’s inspiration for her piece stems from the stunning beaches and ocean views that are abundant in Rhode Island.
Elizabeth Hill draws inspiration from Narragansett Bay, where she often stands on the beach, observing the ever-changing colors of the water as the surf rolls in and creates ripples on the sandy shore.
Judith Larzelere’s abstract pieces incorporate balance and color harmony, inspired by her many walks along the beaches of Rhode Island.
Katie Strano’s vision for her pieces is to create works rooted in the historical structures of weaving, drawing inspiration from traditional coverlets and bold geometric designs while incorporating a sense of modernity.
Pam Provost chose natural colors for her weavings that evoke the essence of the Newport area.
As a weaver who works with repeat motifs, Cheryl Mincone finds inspiration in her surroundings by the water.
Jeff Mee drew inspiration for this piece from a photo taken while looking out over the beach and surf.
Inspired by the rich textile history of New England, Jayne Babine sought to explore American heritage handwoven structures with a modern twist.
Jennifer Rogers’s custom woven overshot wall hangings are explorations of the “Rosette” design created by Bertha Gray Hayes, with colors inspired by beach glass.
The inspiration for Leslie Mahler’s work comes from the beautiful beaches and ocean views that are abundant in Rhode Island.
Elaine Buchanan has always been drawn to the contrasting weave structure of overshot. The colors she selected reflect the blue of the ocean, which serves as her primary inspiration.
Hanna Roehrs has designed one-of-a-kind creations with textures and colors are influenced by the ocean and beach surrounding the resort.
The shades of blue in Marsha Lodge’s work represent the sky and the changing colors of the water, while the grays and tans reflect the sand where children are busy digging and building.
Drawing colors from the sandy landscape of Newport, Sophia DeJesus-Sabella’s weavings utilize a traditional four-harness overshot structure to mimic the natural curves and knots of wood.
Inspired by the beautiful ocean coast of Rhode Island, Elizabeth Springett creates landscapes of texture that reflect the colors of the sand, sea, and sky.
Inspired by the stunning ocean coast of Rhode Island, Anthony Springett creates landscapes of texture that reflect the colors of the sand, sea, and sky.
The cannellé weave structure created by Norma Smayda is reminiscent of the shapes of waves, tide marks on the sand, and seashells.
Margit White’s vision is to create textiles that enhance life by bringing joy and providing comfort. Her designs are inspired by the materials themselves as well as the ocean shorelines.
The pieces created at the Hartford Artisan’s Weaving Center explores colors and textures inspired by the intersection of water and land.
Having vacationed in Newport for many years, Maria Robinson has many fond memories of the area. Maria hopes that viewers of her tapestries can feel the charming embrace of this special place, where the rhythmic sounds of the surf create lasting memories as one wanders along the shore.
Born and raised in Rhode Island, Beth Fitzpatrick has a deep understanding of the ocean, beach tides, and the sky. Her wall hangings portray stretches of beach where sand and water collide, capturing elements such as grasses, waves, footprints in the sand, and seagulls.
Tara Patrina aimed to capture the soft tones of the shoreline along with its spontaneous and organic shapes.
Maya Tavares Cordeiro, of Bristol Looms, aims to capture the essence of the beach through delicate color changes and textures.
Claire Crews’ weavings are abstract compositions that engage in a dialogue with their surroundings.
In her pieces, Jaimee Veronneau Roberts experimented with natural colors, textured yarns, and historically significant New England weaving structures.
For her weavings, Pam Provost selected natural colors that evoke the Newport area.
Sarah Saulson drew inspiration from the undulating curls of waves along the ocean shores.
Michele O’Donnell enjoys walking her dog along the sandy shores of Watch Hill and Misquamicut in Rhode Island. The ripples of water on the white beach sand and the quiet serenity of the dunes during the off-season inspired her work.
Carolyn Goodrich’s vision was inspired by the view from the hotel windows, looking east toward Jamestown, capturing the essence of Rose Island, the lighthouse, and the Newport Bridge.
