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!
Announcing the Creative Economy Hub
Have you heard? Archipelago and the Island Institute have launched a hub for artists, makers, and arts-based businesses featuring artist voices and stories, pre-recorded events, web-based creative and business resources, as well as opportunities to connect, learn, and create.
If you missed Artists and Makers Week, here's a link to check out the recordings of the events. Be sure to also visit the Creative Economy Hub for a plethora of resources and content for artists and makers.
We're grateful to our sponsors! Thank you Ethos, Summer Maine Properties, Bangor Savings Bank, First National Bank, Page Gallery, and Versant Power.
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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 taking a break and will be closed for January. Website is always open for shopping...and we offer curbside pick up for 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.
Archipelago Artist Profiles!
In early March, before Governor Mills issued a statewide lock down, the Island Institute’s Lisa Millette traveled to the home of Maine artist Basil Cake and his wife Mia, to learn more about his work, life, and inspiration. She spent the afternoon visiting with the Cakes, studying Basil’s intricate lamps and unique, found-object sculptures.
Part of the ongoing series of Archipelago artist profiles, this profile looks at one of Archipelago's artists who has sold work with us since the beginning, 2000. Basil has continuously forged ahead with creativity and perseverance and is one of Archipelago's signature artists. We so appreciate his unique vision and commitment to his craft which is clearly at the heart of who Basil Cake is as a person. As we continue to celebrate our 20th anniversary, we celebrate Basil and his wife, Mia!
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..."
