As a program of the Island Institute, Archipelago gives artists and island-inspired art and craft a mainland venue. Here is a small sampling of our many artists from the Downeast region and the outer islands.
Mapmaker Jane Crosen of Penobscot combines elements of nautical charts, topographical maps, and charts of early explorers to create an accurate portrait of many Maine coastal regions. Her maps are drawn by hand in a graceful, uncomplicated illustrative style. With calligraphy place names, symbols, and legend, each design a perfect combination of art and accuracy. Maps are available as posters, cards, or T-shirts and sweatshirts, all printed locally in Maine.
Renowned sea-glass jeweler Lisa Hall has a beautiful store and studio in Northeast Harbor, the port from which she commutes to and from Great Cranberry. The first thing you notice about Lisa’s jewelry is the jeweler’s love of the sea. Transforming “relics of what was once considered garbage”, she crafts earrings, rings, necklaces, cuff links and more creating sought-after treasures that pay homage to the colors of the sea.
One of our hottest new items comes from Jaynce Boynton and Christina Wentworth of Madder Root – organic linen dish towels! Offering stylish and eco-friendly home goods that are hand-printed in Maine, this dynamic duo has created many beautiful products and is working on more. We love their naturally dyed and colorful designs like indigo mussel shells, red poppy seed heads, royal blue lobster buoys, and so many others. A great hostess gift for your favorite neighbor!
Linden O’Ryan’s diversity is very evident at Archipelago as her work ranges from lampshades to watercolors. Her lampshades are made from gathered exotic handmade papers: batik, rice paper, woodblock print, flower pressed papers and papers Linden designs or paints. Her small original watercolors are beloved and spiritual creations depicting the many elements of the natural world that combine with touching insights. Regarding her watercolors “the feelings range from magical to reverent in relationship to the human condition. I create these with my inspirational writings from life’s experiences.” Linden is based in Southwest Harbor.
There is many a fine feathered friend that grace the shelves of Archipelago thanks to Susan Woodside of Swan’s Island. Carving since 1985, she particularly focuses on native Maine birds. Susan carves both whimsical ornaments as well as detailed, to-scale birds all of which are hand painted meticulously. Bring a friend home with you!
The only thing that can be said about chocolate from Black Dinah Chocolatiers is that it is an experience unlike any other. It looks beautiful, it smells delightful, and the taste is the ultimate! The truffles are specially packaged in a box under satin ribbon with a rolled map showing Black Dinah mountain on Isle au Haut where Kate and Steve Shaffer work their magic crafting chocolates completely by hand. “Inspired by fresh, local ingredients and our love of flavors from the tiny corners of the world, our imagination explores the seven seas, right here in our kitchen.”
The island of Little Cranberry, otherwise known as Islesford, is home to a fabulous jeweler – Barbara Fernald. Barb draws inspiration from edges, lines, and angles which is evident when looking at her hand-crafted sterling beads which are all about form exuding life and energy. She combines these silver beads with beads from all over the world as well as sculptural stones for necklaces that are modern and elegant.
Having been a potter for over 35 years, Rocky Mann of Bar Harbor shapes and decorates clay to give form and substance to his life in Maine. “Starry Night in Acadia” is a stunning pottery glaze pattern that transports the user to the pink granite shores of Acadia under a full moon. Rocky uses this natural motif on pasta bowls, dinner plates, cheese platters, soap dishes, and large platters, too. You can create the world of Acadia at your dinner table – then relax and enjoy.
One sister from a Maine island and one sister from the countryside of Maine have collaborated to form Sister’s Soaps. Meagan Cafferata, of Matinicus, makes the soap using the goat’s milk from her sister’s goats at Appleton Creamery as well as olive, coconut and palm oils. All the soaps are hand-crafted and now come in over 30 varieties like raspberry cheesecake, calendula oatmeal, lilac, and rainbow sherbert. “Though you may be tempted, please do not eat!”
Terry Emrick had a problem. He lives in a slate shingled house in Bernard Maine and needed to find something to do with the leftover or sometimes damaged shingles not suitable for siding. So, slate birdhouses were the next logical step; and not just any plain birdhouse but ones that look like a fairy house you might see along the shore. Each is one of a kind, fanciful and usable bird houses that grace any lawn. One man’s problem is another’s art.
Having come from New York city to Matinicus Island, Kathleen Colton has nurtured a devoted following with her luxurious velvet scarves. Women with any sensibility – be it cosmopolitan or country – can find a favorite scarf to wear with their favorite look. Using a velvet blended from silk and rayon, Kathleen creates coveted scarves (women fight over the ones in the store!) using block stamps, burnout velvet, or contrasting colors. Her scarves are very much like her personality – refined, versatile and dynamic.
Joy Sprague of Islesford is known as a joyous Postmistress with a passion for knitting! Besides making one of the cutest children’s sweater vests with woolly lambs, Joy Sprague makes mittens, hats and sweaters to keep your wee ones warm in winter. Her woolens are utterly irresistible for mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunties alike who love to bestow these items on their favorite boys and girls!