Virginia Leach Townsend, grew up in Dover, Mass. She attended Proctor Academy where she was introduced to art history and pottery. After moving to the north shore in ‘94 She opened an art studio called Coastal Arts. The focus of the studio is pottery and six years ago began making Nantucket Lightship baskets, and haven’t stopped since.Virginia, a local potter and owner of Coastal Arts says she was instantly hooked on this classic New England art form that goes back to the 1800’s—a pastime that helped those manning lightships pass time at sea . Besides the classic Nantucket purse, she designs everything from ice buckets to apple baskets, and even back packs and baby bassinets. Scrimshaw, shell, and carved wood pieces accent Virginia’s works. She can customize the baskets from the smallest details—from the scrimshaw designs to closures.Here are more examples of Virginia’s work.