The award-winning PR and events agency Alpha Kilo brought its acclaimed Art+Interiors exhibition from London to Nantucket with the inaugural Work/Shop Nantucket, presented with Joe Waroquier HOME as official partners of Nantucket by Design. From July 15–18, Greater Light, a landmark of Nantucket’s creative history, was transformed into an immersive, retail-enabled experience that brought process, provenance, and purpose to the fore. The residential-style installation showcased bespoke furniture, textiles, lighting, and objects from leading luxury brands and independent makers, all available for purchase or order.
The curated, shoppable exhibition was designed by Joe Waroquier of Joe Waroquier HOME, the Philadelphia and Washington, DC-based interior design firm known for its richly layered interiors that blend historical architecture with modern elegance. The space highlighted craftsmanship and storytelling through a refined mix of antiques, products made from heritage techniques, and works of contemporary design.
Greater Light, the exhibition’s setting, is itself a work of creative legacy. Once a livestock barn, the property was transformed in 1929 by two Quaker artist sisters from Philadelphia into a summer sanctuary filled with objects gathered from their travels and bohemian lives. Bequeathed to the Nantucket Historical Association in 1972, Greater Light remains a hidden gem that embodies the free-spirited creativity of Nantucket’s 1920s summer art colony. Nantucket Artisan Work/Shop reimagines this historic site as if the sisters were alive today, still hosting salons as they did for years in the space, blending a thoughtful selection of contemporary pieces that echo the original owners’ spirit of intentional living and artistic exploration.
Participants included Araminta Campbell, Corston Architectural Detail, Farrow & Ball, Kravet, The National Trust for Scotland, Nell Van Vorst, Sanderson Design, and others. Open to both the public and attendees of Nantucket by Design, the dynamic four-day program features hands-on workshops, panel conversations, and whisky tastings, with all displayed works available for immediate purchase or custom order.
Interactive workshops took place throughout the week, bringing to life the materiality, creative process, and provenance of luxury interiors products and artisan work. One instance included an inspiring decorative painting session with Corston Architectural Details and Farrow & Ball. Guests were invited to select shades from Farrow & Ball’s latest palette and add a personal touch to a fitting or fixture of their choice, a unique opportunity to explore colour and craftsmanship firsthand.
“Nantucket represents a rare confluence of culture, craftsmanship, and community,” says Amanda Kasper, Founder of Alpha Kilo. “With the Work/Shop Nantucket, we’re building on the success of our Art+Interiors program in London to create a dynamic celebration of design. It’s a platform that not only showcases the power of artisan craft and allows for enriched brand storytelling, but also deepens our commitment to fostering lasting connections between luxury brands and the island that continues to inspire them."
The Work/Shop Nantucket took place in conjunction with Nantucket by Design, the Nantucket Historical Association’s premier annual design event. This highly anticipated week drew a distinguished audience of executives, philanthropists, design industry leaders, artisans, and devoted NHA supporters. Participation in Nantucket by Design directly supported the NHA’s mission to preserve and interpret the history of Nantucket through its programs, collections, and properties, promoting the island’s rich heritage and inspiring appreciation among audiences of all kinds.
In keeping with Alpha Kilo’s commitment to cultural sustainability, the Nantucket activation offered an exclusive preview of the global Work/Shop concept, a visionary program designed to unite artisans across the luxury sector, from interiors to apparel. The initiative seeks not only to celebrate and preserve the enduring heritage of craftsmanship, while enhancing its commercial relevance and inspiring the next generation of makers and collectors.
Images courtesy of Alpha Kilo
