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The local art scene proved to be right in line with Witt’s own tastes as a designer, and she jumped at the opportunity to start showcasing some of the work of her new neighbors.
Eventually, she created a rotating gallery of local work, with a different artist from the area featured every six weeks.
“A lot of these local artists didn’t really have a retail outlet for their work,” Witt says. “I’ve always been obsessed with objects, and I really like meeting people who make things, so I just sort of created this store to try to do that.”
Currently, Pious Bird features the work of Susan Tabachnick, a longtime Bridgeport artist and sculptor who works with found objects.
“I try to find people who are a little outside of the normal gilded frames and painted landscapes,” Witt says. “I’ve really tried to show things that are a little bit different, which may not be featured in other places in the area.”
The local pieces blend seamlessly with Witt’s own design aesthetic, and with the carefully curated selection of vintage and artisanal crafts that fill the rest of her shop.
Pieces of furniture, art work, and antiques are thoughtfully arranged throughout the space, all according to Witt’s well-honed eye. Much of her regular inventory also comes from artisans in the surrounding area, including paper goods from a Hartford print company, and business card holders made by a Bridgeport butcher in his spare time.
“I usually don’t have to go looking for these pieces- they tend to find me,” Witt says. “Ultimately, I think things can be beautiful, and I want to be able to pass that on to other people.”
Pious Bird is at 3142 Fairfield Ave. in Black Rock. You can visit its website at piousbird.com.
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