The Mill at Shady Lea

The Mill at Shady Lea is almost an artist’s collective, a resident art colony, a cooperative living setting. There are many artists who work and show as well as sell their wares here. To date there are 54 businesses/​artists in this reconditioned mill. Glassworks, screen printing, graphic effects, metal sculpture, pottery, pewter work, woodworking, photography, reflexology, clock working, guitar building, jewelry and repairs, musicians, natural spa products, photomosaic, mixed media sculpture, paper craft, clothing, product design, cake decorating, quilting, pond building, beading, surveyors and boat charters, fabric arts, web site development and an aquarium as well as art classes can all be had within an acre of building (this is a guess,) two floors and a few out buildings. It is a short drive from where route 1 divides into route 1A and route 4.
In a bucolic setting, down a windy road you end up at the old mill. When visiting their web site be sure to peruse the mill’s history. When visiting the mill be sure to walk around and enjoy the gorgeous setting on the river. Just be careful though and don’t let pets or children wander without supervision. It looks like the mill is still being worked on. The old mill apparatus is rusted and rotten. wandering by the water’s edge is dangerous and some areas are cordoned off.
Inside the mill is charming if you enjoy old style New England mill architecture. believe it or not I enjoyed the large unisex bathroom. The old building has been redesigned to accommodate the many different types of artists that work here.
There are free guided tours for groups. In the summer from noon until 5 pm on Wednesdays the mill offers Summer Open Studio Day, mid June through Columbus Day. I visited with a friend from France this past August on said Wednesday. I called before hand too. I was told that many artists take their vacations during the summer so I shouldn’t expect every artist to be at work. Some of the artists would be happy to show me their studios and art work. My friend and I wandered around the property within and without. It is a lovely old place with much atmosphere.
Afterwards we visited Biomes a private aquarium. It was in the back of the mill in it’s own building. The owner Mark Hall was there and was very excited to show us his animals. It was a cool (literally,) place to go to during a hot afternoon.
If you have some time during the summer take an afternoon and go to the Mill. You may be surprised at what is hidden in the woods less than half a mile from the Newport exit on route 1!