Springtime in Skowhegan

Spring has sprung and we all know it! Mud Season is finally going away. Crocus are up and summer has to be around the corner. Despite the eagerly anticipated short warm season there is still a nip in the air, especially at night. River Roads Artisans Gallery has a great selection of handknit, handfelted and handwoven sweaters, jackets, ponchos and other keep yourself toasty items.

Sama Lawrence of Albion uses only the finest woolen yarns in her handknit creations. She creates heirloom pieces from the toddlers to adults. Colorways range from subdued to crayon bright.



Meredith Tipton creativity flows in the direction of handfelting and embellishment. She has taken famous maker wool sweaters that are no longer in use and repurposed them with a fashionable twist. Handfelting the old into brand new classic beauties embellished with vintage buttons, trims and hand embroidery. Everybody raves about the warmth and durability of felted wool. Now it comes in an elegant day to evening package.



Susan Blaisdell of Skowhegan Handwoven has joined us with a yummy selection of handwoven tops and rugs. Please stop by and maybe find something for yourself, your wish list or someone you love.

Resuming our Regular Programming

River Roads Artisans Gallery will be resuming regular store hours starting April 1, 2009. During the cold winter months we had reduced hours. As of April 1 that will no longer be the case.

RIVER ROADS ARTISANS GALLERY
HOURS

WED.- FRIDAY 10AM - 5PM
SATURDAY 10AM - 4 PM

If you haven't been into the shop for awhile stop by and see all the new items we have. People have been busy creating all sorts of interesting items that are fantastic examples of the creativity that can be found in Maine.




A great selection of finely handcrafted cutting boards, frames and trivets are not only beautiful and useful. All of these items are made by Ray Corson. Ray takes beautiful native wood and turns it into items that can be used by families for generations. Ray also does custom order bookshelves.

A Cup of Joe

The River Roads Gallery will be participating in the Maple Week festivities by offering a special on Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21, whereby any purchase of a mug is accompanied by a coupon for a free cup of coffee at the Bankery ( the bakery in Skowhegan).


Come by anytime to pick up a mug for this special occassion. We have a wide selection of mugs from Nancy Jervey, Amber Lamke, Becky Wheeler, Full Circle Clay and Tim Ciehocki.

Art and Economics do go Together

Looking for the perfect gift or accent piece for your own home is not a simple task at any given time. This is especially true in today’s economic climate. Supporting the arts does not have to go by the wayside even with a dip in your retirement account. River Roads Artisans Gallery is proud to represent several Maine potters with a unique vision that melds well with several different aesthetic outlooks where function and form can fit within your budget. Today the gallery is looking at Dirtgirl Pottery run by Becky Wheeler.



Becky has created deceptively simple shapes that have a solidness to them. Try two or three condiment dishes to dress up your own mealtime or delight a fellow foodie. At $12 a piece the simple little dish doesn’t break the budget.



Nor does a deep dish cereal/soup bowl. Nourish yourself while supporting those who make the world a bit lovelier through their handwork.

Dirtgirl Pottery can be found at our physical location in Skowhegan on Route 150 next to Evelyn's New and Used Furniture or you can purchase through the online store.

Be My Love Valentine! Handmade from the Heart

River Roads Artisans Gallery

features a show of

"Handmade from the Heart"

with a

Chocolate Reception

Friday, February 13, 2009

5:00-7:00pm

Compliments of the River Roads Artisans, indulge in decadent chocolate desserts and coffee while you shop for your VALENTINE! We will feature meaningful gifts made by hand for your loved one. For him, we offer wood-fired pottery jugs and tumblers, fine woodwork, and metal sculpture. For her, you'll find one-of-a-kind lampwork beaded bracelets, woolen mittens, handbags, and more!


Stop in to see us before Valentine's Day, and we'll even help you complete a "Wish List" to help your loved one pick out that perfect gift! Bring or tell a friend!

Hours:

Wednesday Feb. 11: 10-5:00

Thursday Feb. 12: 10-5:00

Friday Feb. 13: 10-7:00

Saturday Feb. 14: 10-4:00


Directions: From Skowhegan Rt. 2, at post office, bear left onto Rt. 150 North. Go approx. one mile, and you'll find the gallery on the right in a farmhouse gallery with a porch, next to Evelyn's Furniture. 207-474-2310.

Shop Online at River Roads Artisans Gallery

River Roads will be adding more of the handcrafted and artisans goodies it has become known for over the next several weeks to its ONLINE STORE! If you aren't in the great state of Maine anymore or close enough to stop in but loved what you saw or want more please stop by our online store River Roads Gallery.

We will be carrying a selection of unique handmade items of a practical or aesthetically pleasing nature.



A fine example would be these heirloom quality hand felted mittens made from reclaimed vintage sweaters by Meredith Tipton. Meredith carefully selects patterns and texture for one of a kind mittens that have the added attraction of being itch free with their polar fleece lined insides. Definitely a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to anyone's wardrobe especially during this subzero weather.

End of the Year

The past three months has been a blur of activity at River Roads. We have had a busy and blessed holiday season. We all are looking forward to the new year filled with lots of new items, new friends and new experiences.

Thank you all for your support and patronage! See you in the new year!