Online Conversion & Beyond

Demographic Business Drivers

Our summers are spent commuting between Boston and York, Maine.  We've been making this short (75 minute) journey for better than 10 years, and while some things about York are gloriously static (downtown York Beach is like stepping back in time), nothing is immune to change.

At least two of our  friends have closed businesses (galleries) over the past year, largely as a result of the change in the tourist/resident mix.  

Tourists, often held in low regard by those vain enough to imagine themselves residents (in the end, we are all renters) bring money into the economy, appreciate the charm of a different place and bring what they can back to their own homes as a memory of pleasant times.  This is a real boon for the arts and crafts industry, which is a major economic segment in the York -Ogunquit-Kennebunk(port) area.

It's time to remember that tourists deserve our love. We need them to keep it fresh and vital.

Art in Southern Maine - The OAA Annual Auction

The thriving arts market in Southern Maine benefits not only the artists and serious collectors most directly involved, but the whole community.   A case in point is what has become for us a late summer ritual, the Ogunquit Art Association's annual Art Auction.  

Held at the (now thankfully air conditioned) Barn Gallery, last night's event (the 55th Annual Art Auction) drew an SRO crowd.   The festivities were well supported by local restaurants and merchants (Amore Breakfast, The Blue Elephant, Bintliff's, Bread and Roses, The Front Porch, Harbor Candy Shop, Joe Allen, Jonathans, Litchfield's, Morning Dove, No. Five-O Shore Road, OOO-FA!, Poor Richard's Tavern, Roberto's, Village Food Market) just to name a few.

Thanks to Hap Moore, aided by long-time Assistant Auctioneer (and artist) Deidre O'Flaherty, the action was thick and fast, with more than a few minutes of genuine drama (example - the bidding war for Patience Haley's magnificent watercolor - Two Meadow Flower Vases - which went for $1475).   And yet, there were bargains to be had . . . over 48 pieces went under the gavel for $200 or less!

Although the event is over (until next year) we strongly recommend that if you're in Southern Maine, take the exit for Ogunquit, stop by the Barn Gallery and have a feast for the eyes.  And when you're done, stop by some of the sponsoring restaurants and stores mentioned above.  You'll be glad you did.

Painted Treasures Featured in OYHS Decorator Show House

Earlier this year, we profiled Maine designer and painted-furniture artist Phyllis Giordano, owner of Painted Treasures in York, ME.   We're happy to report that Phyllis was selected to update a room in the Old York Historical Society's annual decorator show house “Dover Bluff,” a three-story, seaside Victorian “cottage,” circa 1876.

In an article in the June 15, 2005 edition of Seacoastonline.com, Phyllis commented on her treatment of the master sitting room:

“Homes of the period were designed for relaxation and joy. I wanted to bring in the aspects of ‘fun on the seashore’ to the Victorian cottage,” said Giordano.

To be selected as one of the 21 featured designers at the OYHS decorator show house is a real honor.  For a business in its first year of operation, Painted Treasures is particularly pleased to be counted among that number.  Congratulations, Phyllis!

Interview with Phyllis Giordano - Painted Treasures

Last weekend we visited Phyllis Giordano, owner of Painted Treasures, at her studio and gallery in York, Maine.  Response to our first post was very positive, so we arranged an interview with Phyllis today which can be accessed below.  Phyllis' comments concerning her sources of support during the startup and the story of how she faced her biggest challenges should be of interest to our readers.

And, while you are listening to the interview, take a look at a few of the "treasures" found in Phyllis' showroom.

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Conversion You Can Actually Touch

With this weekend blog, Online Conversion & Beyond opens a new category. . .  Downeast Small Business.  Although our main office is here in Charlestown, MA, "City Square North" is located about 75 minutes up I-95 in beautiful York, Maine.  And it's from York that we'll be reporting in the months to come. 

People live here in Maine because they want to.  It's a great place to experience rugged coastline, sparkling water, clear air and a warm, small town environment. York converts into a family-oriented resort town for the summer season, but that's no big deal, since summer here is, in the local language, "wicked short."

However idyllic life may appear here in Maine, people still have to make a living.  But the ways people make ends meet here are often very inventive . . . and this facet of business life in Maine is the focus of Downeast Small Business.

Our first business profile will be Painted Treasures, located at 264 US Route 1 in York, Maine, just north of the malls at Kittery.   The owner, Phyllis Giordano, opened her shop just after Labor Day, 2004, and has begun to fill her showroom with unique, unusual and one-of-a-kind painted furniture, glassware and textiles created by Southern Maine artists. 

Most days you'll find Phyllis in the workshop just off the showroom deep in the midst of "conversion," which in this case involves the transformation of furniture and other articles into works of art.  Once people discovered what she can do with ordinary looking wooden chairs, tables and the like, cars started filling the parking lot. And the work goes well beyond furniture. One of the more unusual transformations that I've seen in the shop are beautiful, hand-painted walking sticks which she did as custom commissions.

Complementing the revitalized wood are complementary items in glass and art textiles.  The window-lit showroom has a bright pallette, and is well worth a visit during the dim days of winter.

Early in February, I'm going to be interviewing Phyllis about her work, and what it takes to make a business go in Southern Maine.  I'm sure that you'll want to hear what she has to say.