Friday, November 27, 2009

Holiday Shop at River Roads Artisans Gallery - 3 days 15% off

If you haven't started your shopping, or even if you have, come to River Roads Artisans Gallery to find a one of kind handmade in Maine gift for that special someone. At the gallery you can find a unique handcrafted piece of art, jewelry, clothing, pottery or accent piece for the home. All items are made by artists who reside and work in the state of Maine.

The Gallery is kicking off the month of December with a three day 15% sale off starting December 4th at 2pm and ending December 6th. 15% off selected artisans works such as -

  • black and white photograph by Kevin Couture
  • knitted and beaded scarves by Joan Bishop
  • watercolors by Susan Fowler
  • felted Sweaters by Meredith Tipton
  • leather and handfelted bags and home decor by Heather Kerner
  • paintings by Chris Sumberg
  • wooden paddles and other items by Phil Glass of Shininglass Studios
  • glass jewelry by Stone Ridge Glass
  • fine art prints by Pam Fortin
  • handwoven clothing from Susan Blaisdell
  • socks for the whole family and baby blankets by Nancy Kerner
  • jewelery by Ruth Blake
If you are working that day stop by the reception being held from 4:00-6:00pm on the 4th and have some refreshments while you shop.

While you are shopping be sure to drop your name in the Sarah Coleman Antler Basket to win a "Simplicity Necklace" or a "Beaded Serving Fork" by Ruth Blake. The winner will be drawn on Dec. 23rd so you can have a last minute gift for someone.

The week of December 16th through December 24th the gallery will be open everyday.
Mark it down so you don't forget!

Christmas Kick Off Reception
Fri Dec 4th 4:00-6:00pm
with refreshments

Christmas Open House Weekend
Sat Dec 5th 10:00-5:00pm
Sun Dec 6th 12:00-4:00pm

15 hours with 15% off selected Artisans works

Monday, November 2, 2009

Meredith Tipton - Finely Crafted Felted Wearable Art


Come join River Roads Artisans Gallery for the opening reception to a month long celebration of Meredith Tipton's exquisitely hand crafted felted functional and funky wearable coats and sweaters on Thursday November 12th from 4:00-6:00pm.

Meredith is one of our fiber artist whose creativity flows in the direction of hand felting and embellishment. She takes famous maker wool sweaters that are no longer in use and will re purpose them with a fashionable twist. Meredith's show this year is featuring Argyle Sweater Coats. The very classic and "in" style look right now.

Meredith's work will be featured for the whole month of November. Gallery hours are Wed-Fri 10:00-5:00 and Sat 10:00-4:00pm so you can come see her fabulous work.

Don't forget to join us for drink, appetizers, and fun at Meredith's reception on Thursday November 12th

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Maine Fiber Tour

River Roads Artisans Gallery is thrilled to be part of the the Maine Fiber Arts Tour. This coming weekend is the kickoff for the new Maine Fiberarts map that lists a ton of fiber artists studios and farms for the fiber enthusiast. The gallery has several members that are a part of the Maine Fiber Community. We will be highlighting them throughout the month. Come check them out if you are looking for something to do in the Skowhegan area.

The first is Heather Kerner of Canaan. Heather is known for her innovative felting and exquisite color sense. Hats, bags, mittens, chair coverings and two dimensional work all are functional as well as beautiful. handfelted handbag heather kerner
A regular participant at the Rhinebeck Sheep Festival and Grand Lake Stream Shows, Heather has also been included in the Interweave Press publication “How We Felt”. She will be offering 3 demonstartions throughout the weekend.

August 7th, Nuno Felting, a layered felting process (10am - 2pm)

August 8th, Fabulous Felt Hats (10am - 2pm)

August 9th, Beads, Bobbles and Balls (10am - 2pm)


Susan Blaisdell of Skowhegan Handwovens has a fabulous selection of beautiful jewel toned clothing. Rich in hues and a blend of silks, chenilles and other fibers has made Susan’s clothing highly sought after. Her tops move easily from day to casual evening wear. Comfort and classic style are what it is all about when wearing one of Susan's handwoven tops.

Please be sure to make River Roads Artisans Gallery a place to stop on your fiber explorations.

The Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday 10am – 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am-4pm.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

The Well Rounded Kitchen - Kneading Conference and Artisan Goods


Baking is a craft, or to some, an art form just as is woodworking, pottery, felting or painting. Grains such as wheat, rye and oats become beautiful mouthwatering loaves of bread sometimes for the less patient baker a no knead boule of perfection. Wood becomes cutting boards, pizza paddles, cooling trivets or utensils. Clay becomes an array of plates, cups and bowls. All three join forces during River Roads Artisans Gallery's participation in the Kneading Conference on August 1 from 10AM to 5PM. Stop by the Trade Show on August 1 to find some of the artisan made goods that compliment the bread that will be baked.

Becky Wheeler of DirtGirl Pottery creates deceptively simple bowls for holding ingredients or soup to eat with the fresh baked bread or rolls. They come in an array of colors and sized from a cup to a robust bowlful.


Ray Corson layers together deliciously eye catching utensils, cutting boards, and trivets to grace your table and food preparations. The cutting boards are durable easy to care for mix of hardwoods.

Raku, a wood fired pottery, hand formed and fired by Tim Chicocki of Norridgewock, has an understated simplicity that enhances and not overpowers the work of the baker through a neutral palette. The Zen of bread and its making are accompanied by the perfect handheld bowl to scramble eggs in for a simple morning repast or to dunk chunks of baguette into ragu sauce.

All of these and more can be seen at the River Roads Artisans Gallery located at 191 North Street, Rte 150 in Skowhegan.

Come visit River Roads Artisans Gallery to round out your culinary experience whether you are a foodie or just love the finer things in life.
River Roads Artisans Gallery
219 North Avenue, Rte. 150
Skowhegan, ME

Hours: Wednesday - Friday 10AM - 5pm
Saturday 10AM - 4pm

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Fine handmade crafts, like really good bread, are an essential part of life. Each rounds out our daily existence giving a richer experience on many different levels. River Roads Artisans Gallery will be participating in this years Kneading Conference as a vendor on Saturday August 1st in Skowhegan. The gallery carries the work of several artisans whose handwork transform substance into form like a baker transforms wheat into bread. River Roads Artisans Gallery showcases beautifully crafted items that may be used in the making or consumption of delicious homemade loaves or other delightful baked goods.

Phil Gavin, Shininglass Studios, will be represented at the trade show by River Roads Artisans Gallery with a selection of his exquisite hardwood paddles that make sliding pizza or rustic loaves into an outdoor portable or kitchen oven a more enriching experience.
His checkerboard cutting boards make a fine backdrop for slices of jam covered bread or wedges of toasted cheese sandwiches. Your bread making experience is enhanced by using the finest ingredients and now the best in handmade and crafted utensils to do the baking and eating with.

Several of River Roads' potters have a great selection of bowls for dough to rise in while yeast works its magic. Nancy Jervey of Norridgewock has gorgeous bowls to use for baking or salad making. Once the baking is done sit down with cup of coffee or tea in a beautifully decorated mug that fits comfortably in the hand and enjoy a well rounded experience of the senses that bring a deeper pleasure to the time spent munching on fresh out of the oven goodies with loved ones.



Fully Circle Pottery have a more Mediterranean style to their bowls and platters. Mix up a fruity olive oil dipping sauce in a fanciful bowl to dip crusty Italian bread in. Dining at home can be just as special as going out when the right accent pieces are around.
If you can't make it to the Kneading Conference check out River Roads Artisans Gallery online store. There you will find a selection of artisan made cutting boards and pottery to bring more pleasure to your bread making or cooking experience. The Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday through Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. It’s just a short drive down Rte 150, 219 North Avenue in Skowhegan right next to Evelyn's New and Used Furniture.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

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.

handknit sweater maine

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.

meredith tipton handfelted river roads gallery

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.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

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.