MONTAGUE — They say location is everything and a new one seems to be paying off for the town’s Artisans on Main Street project.
It all began three years ago with a storefront on the Main Street and a fledgling group trying to put together a co-operative to feature local artists.
Fast forward to today, and that collective is now 40 members strong and has its own permanent building — even if it’s not on Main Street anymore.
“We’re just off Main Street now,’’ jokes manager Audrey Bunt. “But this place is just brilliant and offers us so much more.”
Artisans on Main (AOM) is now located in a waterfront building on the south side of the river overlooking the marina. And any fears of being off the beaten track were quelled this summer.
In fact, the total sales in July this year were more than the sales registered in the entire 2013 season.
“It’s been amazing and we are all delighted,’’ says Bunt, standing on the second floor of the Water Street building that was fully renovated over the winter to make a new home. “Before we had to continually open the business . . . now we have this permanent home.”
Artists like Nancy Oakes and Lorraine Vatcher say the new headquarters is clean, spacious, filled with natural light and in the heart of the town centre.
The Water Street building is below the town museum, overlooks the river and the fishing wharf, and is directly across from the town bandshell and marina park.
“We’ve got it all,’’ says Vatcher. “People come to visit the art shop and we can advise them where the restaurants are or the Art Trail or even where to stay at the new hotel.”
Like a match made in heaven, the Artisans on Main say such success can largely be attributed to the support of the town of Montague.
“They took the chance and spent the money for this building and realized what an attraction it could become in the town,’’ says Oakes. “Not to mention, the type of business it would generate for the whole community.”
The Artisans on Main was the collective brainchild of Martina MacDonald of Active Communities and former town councillors Janice MacBeth and Peter Doucette.
It is now a 40-member collective with 16 active members who share duties operating the store. They plan to stay open year round (albeit with shorter winter hours) and are preparing for a fall series of workshops for the public and youth.
“Our biggest day was almost 100 people in here and we often need two workers — one for each floor.”
The shop is filled with paintings, jewelry, rug hooking, quilts, and all things bright and beautiful.
“Daily average sales have been up this year as well,’’ says Bunt. “And we’ve been amazed how many people from Stratford and Charlottetown are making the trip out here and bringing their friends and visitors.”
Bunt says the key to success has been the connection made when a buyer can meet the artist on site here and discuss the creation of an intriguing item.
MONTAGUE — They say location is everything and a new one seems to be paying off for the town’s Artisans on Main Street project.
It all began three years ago with a storefront on the Main Street and a fledgling group trying to put together a co-operative to feature local artists.
Fast forward to today, and that collective is now 40 members strong and has its own permanent building — even if it’s not on Main Street anymore.
“We’re just off Main Street now,’’ jokes manager Audrey Bunt. “But this place is just brilliant and offers us so much more.”
Artisans on Main (AOM) is now located in a waterfront building on the south side of the river overlooking the marina. And any fears of being off the beaten track were quelled this summer.
In fact, the total sales in July this year were more than the sales registered in the entire 2013 season.
“It’s been amazing and we are all delighted,’’ says Bunt, standing on the second floor of the Water Street building that was fully renovated over the winter to make a new home. “Before we had to continually open the business . . . now we have this permanent home.”
Artists like Nancy Oakes and Lorraine Vatcher say the new headquarters is clean, spacious, filled with natural light and in the heart of the town centre.
The Water Street building is below the town museum, overlooks the river and the fishing wharf, and is directly across from the town bandshell and marina park.
“We’ve got it all,’’ says Vatcher. “People come to visit the art shop and we can advise them where the restaurants are or the Art Trail or even where to stay at the new hotel.”
Like a match made in heaven, the Artisans on Main say such success can largely be attributed to the support of the town of Montague.
“They took the chance and spent the money for this building and realized what an attraction it could become in the town,’’ says Oakes. “Not to mention, the type of business it would generate for the whole community.”
The Artisans on Main was the collective brainchild of Martina MacDonald of Active Communities and former town councillors Janice MacBeth and Peter Doucette.
It is now a 40-member collective with 16 active members who share duties operating the store. They plan to stay open year round (albeit with shorter winter hours) and are preparing for a fall series of workshops for the public and youth.
“Our biggest day was almost 100 people in here and we often need two workers — one for each floor.”
The shop is filled with paintings, jewelry, rug hooking, quilts, and all things bright and beautiful.
“Daily average sales have been up this year as well,’’ says Bunt. “And we’ve been amazed how many people from Stratford and Charlottetown are making the trip out here and bringing their friends and visitors.”
Bunt says the key to success has been the connection made when a buyer can meet the artist on site here and discuss the creation of an intriguing item.
