Shop Archipelago, and you will find delightfully special and one-of-a-kind items made in Maine, and you will be helping to sustain one of Maine's greatest assets - its island and working waterfront communities. Like Maine's seasons, Archipelago is ever-changing, so stop by and see what's new!
Archipelago's COVID response
Archipelago is working hard daily to ensure that our customers, staff, and communities are safe by following the Maine CDC retail guidelines for our Main Street location. Here is our page for our retail store guidelines.
The retail store is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 - 4. Website is always open for shopping...and we offer curbside pick up during store hours by either phone or website orders. However you feel safe, enjoy shopping with Archipelago knowing your are directly supporting Maine's vibrant and resilient artists and makers with each purchase.
2020 Island Journal
JUST IN! The 2020 Island Journal has arrived! This year's Island Journal features our take on how the coast and islands helped Maine navigate its independence 200 years ago from Massachusetts, and how its long ocean shores played an important role in the state becoming prosperous. The Journal, as always, continues its tradition of bringing the wonders of Maine island life and culture to readers with essays, profiles, fiction, poetry, and art. Be sure to peruse the art folio of Maine fine art photographer Jim Nickelson in his latest series, Pale Fire: Canto One, also available for sale at Archipelago.
Jon Mort print available to support Island Institute's work
Jon Mort is widely recognized for his startlingly realistic colored pencil and large-scale graphite images. Captivated by design and drawing since childhood, Jon received Fine Art and Classics degrees from Franklin and Marshall College and his Masters in Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. A signed, limited edition print of Island World has been made available from the artist to support the Island Institute. Jon suggested this sale as a chance to participate in the important work of the Island Institute. "I'm humbled to be featured (on the back cover of the 2020 Island Journal) and thrilled by this opportunity to collaborate with an organization committed to sustaining a vibrant Maine coast." To purchase or learn more, click HERE.
As we recognize our 20th anniversary this year,
we truly know and feel the solid foundation of all of the customers, makers, artists, shoppers, members, employees, colleagues, locals, partners, tourists, and others who have built this amazing store, Archipelago.
Thank you for supporting Archipelago's artists and makers by buying made in Maine gifts and goodies, books and hand cream, and so much more. Your support of our local artists and makers—and together our shared enthusiasm of how Maine artists enrich our lives—will serve us all during this wobbly time.
Your support right now is so important to us, and to our 300+ Maine artists and makers living from Vinalhaven to Rangeley, from Stonington to Cape Elizabeth, and Bar Harbor to Lubec. From their hearts and ours to you—thank you for supporting Maine made.
Small Business Support and Resources for Artists and Makers
As a program of the Island Institute, Archipelago is a store and gallery that also works to support Maine artists and makers who are crucial to Maine's economy. We do this through one on one mentoring, workshops, and our annual Artists and Makers Conference.
We have been working to put together resources that might be helpful for artists and makers, and others. This link has resources and pages that can support your process as you continue to build a resilient business. There are many opportunities for grants, loans, webinars and more. It is updated regularly so keep checking it.
We're here for you! If you have other questions and are looking for more support, feel free to reach out to LVietze@islandinstitute.org.
Maine artists respond!
Maine's artists and makers are among those who are responding quickly to support their communities in whatever ways they can. From micro businesses to larger businesses, read more here about some who are helping out.
"If we had lost sight of our sense of community during the digital age, perhaps a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic may be that we are once again finding value in these connections. It’s ironic that this is happening during a time of forced or self-imposed social distancing, and yet our state’s artists and makers are just one example of a community of people stepping up to fulfill important needs during this uncertain time. Maine prides itself on the fact that its residents haven’t lost various skills of self-sufficiency: felling trees and chopping wood, tilling soil, and making things with our hands. While none of us were ready for a pandemic of this size and scope, Maine makers have skills at the ready to help pitch in and support those on the frontlines in the struggle against COVID-19. Distilleries are making hand sanitizer, glass artists are making ventilator splitters, and graphic designers and illustrators are helping to get the message out that staying in is crucial. Other makers are confronting the current shortage of medical grade face masks..."
