For some time, artists have been attracted to Warren's relatively affordable rents and low-key lifestyle. But in January, the attractions for artists grew significantly. The town was designated an arts diestrict by the Rhode Island General Assembly, which means that local artists may sell their work there without having to charge sales tax.

So far, artists say, the effect on sales is hard to tell. But at least one artist, lamp maker Michael Lamar, says he feels thankfully freed of having to keep records and send in a monthly check. He and others like him will have more hours to devote to what is necessarily a time-consuming-mode of production.

Arts districts exist in other Rhode Island cities and towns, Providence and Westerly among them. But for Warren, the designation adds to the impression that lately, this community has been flowering. Not so long ago, if people traveled to Warren, it was mainly to visit Jamiel's shoe store. Now there is so much more: antiques shops, boutiques, restaurants, the well-regarded 2nd Story Theater. The Coffee Depot, full of comfortable lounge chairs and reading materials, displays art for sale, and is clearly a community gathering spot.

Also drawing attention is the factory district, an area east of Main Street, where former mill buildings on Cutler Street have been transformed into a warren of studios, shops, and businesses. Windsor chairs and ceramic tiles are made here; other tenants are involved in graphic design, woodworking, and the manufacture of outdoor banners.

Near the Cutler Mills is Mr. Lamar's Altamira, known nationally for its whimsical handcrafted pieces. Also in the mill complex the Imago art gallery displays work by more than a dozen artists. The seven-year-old Rhode Island Fencing Academy does a thriving business just upstairs. A small independent market has just opened.

Warren is a long way from resembling the kind of terminally cute seaside town whose fate is to become clogged with tourists. Yet the arts have clearly done good things for the place: Nowadays, Warren is simply fun to visit. If it can retain some of its funky character alongside its new stylishness, it will have struck an enviable balance.