ReWorx Collective, a group of artisans who embrace the green
movement, produce stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces in Watertown
Furniture that looks industrial or distressed has been in demand for many years now thanks to places like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn, to mention a few. Many of these items are newly manufactured and then made to look old and used. None of the furniture sold at ReWorx Collective is new or imported. All of the twenty local artisans who form the group create original pieces using salvaged materials, such as recycled wood, doors, pipes, metal, or even twigs. Some pieces are built using a vintage base combined with handcrafted parts. The common bond among all of these artists is that they use only natural-and-reclaimed or recycled materials.
Steve Garceau, a partner of ReWorx, grew up following his parents as they spent time at tag sales and flea markets. They were resellers of vintage items and antiques. So it seems natural that he would continue in the family tradition by forming an artists’ collective to promote and sell artisanal pieces of furniture using salvaged materials. A craftsman himself, he has a background in machine engineering which ties right in with this new venture.
His wife, Maureen Garceau, owner and partner, grew up in retail, watching her parents operate their stores. She fell into the antiques business by chance and was instantly hooked. Together, they have a deep commitment and passion for the vintage aesthetic, and for well-made, original creations that have an artist’s touch. The pair take great satisfaction in giving an old, discarded piece a second chance at a new life.
Located in an old textile factory in the center of Watertown, the 5,000-square-foot space is filled with fascinating furniture, lamps, smaller items, and sculptural wall pieces. These pieces are not limited to being used in the home. They would easily fit right into an office or shop. And many pieces have multiple uses. A distressed table with industrial machinery legs can be used as a dining table, desk, or kitchen island. From old doors to gears, to steel tubes and pattern blocks, the range of materials they use is impressive.
All of the artists at ReWorx have full-time jobs and do their craft on the side. They have different skills, styles and techniques. By taking care of the management of the group and handling publicity, Steve and Maureen free up the artists’ time to concentrate on their pieces. And they provide the space and opportunity for the individual craftspeople to display and sell their work, all under one roof.
The Garceaus also make sure all glass is tempered (for safety), tabletop finishes are food safe, and bare metal surfaces are cleaned, sealed, and waxed. Basically, all of the items are safe for a home or work environment.
The top of a dark red leather table decorated with a geometric design of brass nailheads was actually a door from Harvard University; it now sits handsomely on a base of steel machinery legs. The door was set into a wood fame and will soon be topped with a piece of tempered glass, making a striking desk.
Another beautiful, long table looks like a slice of a tree, still edged with bark, and in the middle of the table, running vertically, is a long brown piece of rough-hewn metal.
Hanging from the ceiling are a few organic-shaped lamps made of twigs and rope. The light streams through the twigs and creates a lovely effect. Any of these stunning lamps would be the center of attention over a dining table or in an entrance hallway—a conversation piece, for sure.
ReWorx’s clients are diverse—homeowners, decorators, realtors, merchants, and collectors. They come from towns in Litchfield and Fairfield Counties, as well as from New York City. In addition, the online arm of the business attracts clients from across the country.
While the main showroom features one-of-a-kind “statement” pieces, downstairs Maureen runs a vintage and antiques shop called Mélange, where one can find less-expensive, smaller gift items such as pottery, jewelry, accessories, and some furniture as well.
Once a month, on a Saturday night, ReWorx opens its doors for a casual gathering of artists and clients, what they call a Meet & Greet. The idea is for the customers to meet the artisans. They hope to encourage discussions that could lead to commissioned pieces that involve more input from clients. Collaboration is encouraged, and often a client will be interested in purchasing a piece but would like a change made to it. Maybe the color isn’t quite right, or the height needs to be lowered. Pieces can be customized to the specific desires of a client. Also, if a potential customer sees a piece they like, but the price is not within their budget, the discussions could lead to ordering a similar piece with less labor and material costs involved.
At these monthly gatherings, there are drinks, small bites, and live music. They are always well attended. New pieces are brought in and there’s a sense of community, a cool vibe, as people mingle and consider taking a piece of furniture home with them. If the piece is too large to carry, no problem—ReWorx ships anywhere, anytime.
Once the party is over, many of the local artists and visitors move on to a nearby restaurant or to one of the three local bars on Main Street. The scene in this small town is hopping and there are a few good restaurants, shops, spas, a cinema, and live theatre—just on Main Street alone. Visitors from New York City are encouraged to check out the other places in town. Steve and Maureen seem to know everybody and are more than happy to make suggestions for where to eat and shop, where to stay, and what to do. They are putting Watertown on the map with their new venture. Indeed, their enthusiasm and passion are infectious.
ReWorx Collective, 30 Echo Lake Road, Watertown.
860.417.2858 or www.reworxct.com
