05/17/2026
Next up in our “Meet the Artists” series is curator and artist Susan Hardy, whose work invites us into a world of curiosity, collection, and careful craftsmanship through her series of handmade boxes, her own modern take on the Victorian curio piece.
As the curator of this exhibition, Susan brings a thoughtful and cohesive vision to the show—while also contributing her own intricate work. Her piece is composed of a series of small, handcrafted boxes made from patterned papers, many of which are recycled from her past projects. Each box carries a sense of history, both in its materials and in its making.
Inspired by the Victorian fascination with curiosities and the display of treasured objects, Susan’s work reflects a deep appreciation for the small, the detailed, and the meaningful. Like the cabinets of curiosities that once filled Victorian homes, her boxes suggest stories waiting to be discovered...
Come by during the exhibit's open hours to experience Susan’s work—alongside the work of the artists she has so thoughtfully brought together. Click link in bio or visit https://www.preserveri.org/art-exhibition
To learn more about Susan and her work, visit www.susanhardyart.com.
A special thank you to Compass Rhode Island and Coastline Trust Co. for sponsoring this exhibit. This project is part of the Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026 initiative and Rhode Island 250’s semiquincentennial celebrations.