Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back

Progress!

We have been making loads of progress on turning the second floor of our building into a wonderful apartment. The wonderful part is still a ways off but it is taking shape. The second floor was three rooms with the doorways right in the middle of the walls. So we had to rethink the space and how it could work better. We are going for loft style and wanted to open it up more. We opted for having the doorways to the right making the spaces more livable and in the process created a sleeping nook.

As luck would have it we had some incredible damp weather right after the drywall was installed. Nothing was drying. Then as I was sitting at my desk in our first floor gallery, Monkitree, I heard a stream of water behind me. It was raining but this sounded closer. Sure enough I turn around and see water running down from the ceiling. I ran to get a bucket, then ran to get Peter upstairs. He came down and helped me move things out of the way then we turned our attention to what the cause may have been. Peter had just taken a shower in our living space on the third floor. Could that be it?

Newspaper Found In Ceiling

We called our plumber. He said, "I hate to tell you this but go turn on the shower again." Sure enough we had another stream of water. He came in the morning and yet again asked me to turn on the shower so he could figure out where he was going to need to open things up. I don't know why it made me feel better but we didn't have to tear into work that was just done. Of course we had to open something and ended up opening  the ceiling on the second floor landing. Our plumber, Jered, made quick work of fixing what turned out to be the drain of a very old shower that had decided to let loose. (Oh and in the process found a piece of newspaper from the 1940's, I'm still waiting for the hidden treasure). So know in addition to the wet weather we had extra water kicking around. It was time to buy a dehumidifier.

As we speak there are people upstairs working. Things have finally dried out. I have dreams of moving into the 2nd floor space by the end of October so we can begin tearing up the 3rd and 4th floor in preparation for adding the sprinkler system up there and renovating those two spaces into two more loft style apartments. Phew! We will see how long that will take us. What has it been... 5 years to get to this point? But it will be amazing when it is done.

Diving Through Layers: A Progression

Artwork by Ruthanne Harrison
July 27th - September 15, 2012

One of the great things about having a gallery is- the work changes every couple of months. Every time I hang a new show I am amazed by how the space is transformed. The image above shows "The Last Year: A Weekly Series." Ruthanne not only created 52 oil pastel drawing over the year but then constructed a way to show them all together! And that is only one wall. You should see what is on the others. Really, come see this show if you can.

Ruthanne Harrison of Richmond, Maine explores the concept of looking down through layers, or opening up a layer to reveal something new. The body of work melds her two passions- art and architecture and includes triptychs which open to reveal a layer beneath as well as oil pastel drawings and paintings. Ruthanne explains: “The work is all a progression, having to do with time, place, materiality.” 

I Am A Small Business And I Did NOT Build It On My Own

Over the last 48 hours much has been made of President Obama's comment "if you have got a business, you didn't build that." A quote taken out of context. But you know what? Even if it hadn't been taken out of context, I am fine with it. Why is it that you can win the Super Bowl and thank God and your mother but we can't manage a thank you to all the people who help make our small businesses possible.

So here it is. My shout out to all who have helped make my small business, Monkitree, possible-

The people involved in getting downtown Gardiner listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1980. Without them I'm not sure this is a place I would have wanted to open a business.

The Gardiner Main Street program which has helped to (and continues to) foster the growth and revitalization of downtown Gardiner. The organization was my point of contact which helped me make the decision that Gardiner was the town I wanted to be my community. To all of the past directors who have kept the program going, our current director Patrick Wright who is doing amazing work and the countless volunteers including the Board of Directors. Thank you all for your hard work.

All of the businesses who have committed to the community by keeping their businesses here,  funding community projects like the Waterfront, supporting worthwhile organizations like Johnson Hall and the Boys and Girls Club.

My mother and family members who have helped not only shape me to be the person I am but have helped rip out walls, build walls, paint, cheer me on, loan me money and just about every other thing a family can do. And Peter of course who makes all sorts of sacrifices so we can continue to move forward with our plans.

The supervisors I have had in previous jobs who helped form my work ethic and helped me set achievable goals. People like Marguerite Young who helped me believe that I could do just about anything (as long as I was prepared and followed through) or David and Paula Brooks who have shown me just how flexible small business owners need to be.

Everyone who has and will work on our building as we renovate. Skilled people doing hard and dirty work. I appreciate your hard work- Jered Ladd Plumbing, McFarland Electric, Scott Elliot, Roger Gervais...

Everyone at City Hall and on City Council who serve our city. I'm sure we don't tell you all "thank you" enough. Thank you!

The artists and craftspeople who have given me the opportunity to represent their work. And to the local art community who support each other whenever possible.

To all my Monkitree customers who know that having a few beautiful things around can bring great joy!

The people of Gardiner and the surrounding towns who shop locally and support our downtown businesses as well as my fellow business owners in downtown Gardiner. Like I said in the Bangor Daily News article, "I want us all to succeed- and a few more."


I'm sure there are countless others to thank. My success isn't mine and mine alone. And when I am wildly successful I will continue to be thankful for everyone who helped make it possible. Sure I work hard and take risks but without community and customers I wouldn't have a business.

What is a Community?

Having recently returned from a year away, I have been thinking a great deal about what I have returned to. My friends in other places, who have not yet been up to visit me, probably imagine that I have given up a lot to move to a "city" of 5,800 people that is Gardiner, Maine. But in reality I have given up little and have gained so much. And what I have gained is a community. Having lived in a large city (actually many of them) I have had some sense of community but in a smaller city or town even the word community is different to me. Here I have many communities- the community of artists, the business community, the community of dog lovers, friends, etc... And here being an active part of the community means you can really make a difference. I am proud to volunteer as a Board Member for Gardiner Main Street.

But as a small community, we feel the loss of a business more acutely. When we lose Sweet Love, Mad Dog, Blue Sky, we feel it deeply. Each of those businesses contributed to our community, volunteered in our community. Of course there will be new businesses to take their places and hopefully win our hearts. And of course we have plenty of businesses making us great food, providing us entertainment, offering great gifts, providing excellent service. I value all that this community has to offer. Of course we don't have endless amounts of money to spend but when we spend it we should spend it locally. I challenge you all to try to shop local whenever possible. And it may be time to explore what is possible. If you haven't walked into every store downtown it may be time to do so. I have a few I haven't visited since I have been back and I intend to get in to visit soon.

In the past few weeks or so I have:

• Had a tasty meatball calzone with minced garlic and oregano from Gerard's
• Got another 4 pack of Innis and Gunn rum cask beer from Water Street Cafe. Had an awesome ham,egg and cheese on a bagel, picked up wine for an opening, etc...
• Replaced and ironing board cover and got a Charleston Chew at Reny's
• Grabbed some coffee to keep me going and hot chocolate to keep me warm at Sweet Love
• Had my favorite Greek Calamari Salad at A1 Diner (among other meals)...and I am very tempted by the whoopie pies!
• Went out to dinner with a friend to Pasta'z. Always delicious and the service is always fantastic.
• Ordered a burrito from Lisa's Legit Burrito's and then got busy. They put it in the warmer and when I finally picked it up an hour later it was still delicious!
• Picked up fantastic local foods at the Kennebec Local Food Initiative...my new love!
• Yummy lobster roll and beer at The Depot.
• Been sitting in my gallery/shop Monkitree. Helping customers pick out gifts, watching them enjoy art and of course I have been telling everyone about how wonderful Gardiner is!

(I'm sure there are more. OK so upon returning I ate out more than normal)  

Great things will continue to happen in Gardiner. This years River Festival (June20-23) is going to be bigger and better than ever. Two nights of fireworks, a carnival, a craft fair and live music! All made possible by local business sponsors and loads of volunteers. So come and enjoy Gardiner and remember to visit our local businesses. We would love to see you!

Tar Sands Oil in Maine? Draw-A-Thon, Anyone?

Blue Jay by Kenny Cole

The current show at Monkitree has an environmental theme and benefits the Natural Resources Council of Maine. In talking with people at NRCM about what issues I may be able to help engage people in, the last thing I expected to hear was Tar Sands. Of course I had been paying attention to the Keystone XL pipeline issue that has been getting so much attention. And I knew about the spill in Michigan that has caused so much damage in 2010. But Tar Sands...in Maine? Apparently it could happen and we need to be vigilant.

There is an existing pipeline that runs from Montreal to Portland, Maine and Enbridge is looking to reverse the flow to carry tar sands oil. This pipeline number 9 runs next to Sebago Lake which is the drinking water source for 15% of Maine. It is an old pipeline and made of the same material as the failed pipeline that caused the destruction in Michigan.

The Tar Sands Oil is dirty, getting it out of the ground is incredibly destructive. We are coming to the end of the oil and should be focusing on what the solutions are instead of coming up with continually filthier ways to keep using oil.

So what can we do about it-

1. Educate ourselves. There are plenty of resources out their for learning about tar sands oil and the plans to bring it to markets.
2. Whatever we can, to protect our environment and our health. Write your legislators and be sure they know your position, go to public meetings, draw a picture. Yes. you heard me! Draw a picture!

On June 23rd, during the Greater Gardiner Riverfest, Monkitree will host a Draw-A-Thon to raise awareness of the tar sands issue. All work created during the Draw-A-Thon will be photographed or scanned for possible inclusion in a zine commemorating this event and possible reproduction as posters to used by NRCM at public meetings about the topic. 

If you are an artist that want to participate, please contact me at info@monkitree.com.
Everyone is welcome to come and watch!

For more information on Draw-A-Thons-
http://mainedrawathon.blogspot.com/
For more information on Tar Sands in Maine-
http://www.nrcm.org/tarsands.asp

My Natural Inclination

On May 18th, 1987, I arrived at Clean Water Action in Washington, D.C. for my observation day. An observation day is basically a second interview where you spend the day with a trainer watching them do their job and trying it out for yourself. It is an opportunity for the trainer to decide if you have what it takes to go door-to-door talking to people about the environment, asking people to get involved and contribute to the organization. It is not a job everyone is cut out for. But I had discovered I had a talent for asking people for money on a brief stint raising money for George H.W. Bush. I'm sure they thought I was a spy. My roommate and I would rescue stamps from the stamp machine that the campaign decided couldn't be used because they got tattered. So I went out on my observation day confident I could do the job. Besides it was for a good cause, something I really believed in.

Blue Jay by Kenny Cole

When I arrived they had forgotten that my appointment was scheduled for that day. After a bit of shuffling, I went out in the crew with my trainer, Pete Northup. The area we were canvassing was a combination of middle-class townhouse development and subsidized housing. I will never forget one house we went to had a prosthetic leg hanging from the tree outside "airing out" we later learned. I can't remember exactly what the issue was we were working on at the time but I do remember people were supportive, of course that wasn't the case across the board. If it were, I doubt we would need so many non-profit citizen based organizations keeping politicians and big business in line.

I went on to become a trainer, manager then Canvass Director. I was able to help start up Clean Water's first office in Texas, to work for the California League of Conservation Voter, and even helped start a canvass for the Alaska Center for the Environment. My years actively involved in environmental issues were transformative. I met some of my very best friends, learned how to manage people and best of all learned that a group of determined individuals can gather enough public support to accomplish almost anything. So here we are 25 years later and I am celebrating both my 25 year anniversary and my two year anniversary of opening Monkitree with a show to benefit the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I'm no longer knocking on doors but I can still do what I can to help!

Natural Inclination
May18-July 20, 2012

Monkitree
263 Water Street
Gardiner, Maine 04345

Stepping Stones

When we figured out that Peter was going to need to get back to the DC area for work, I made the decision to come down with him and work.It was a step we needed to make. An easy one and difficult one to take. Difficult because it meant leaving Gardiner- our friends, our new business and building. Easy because it meant Peter and I would be in the same place and we could earn the money we would need to do the renovations needed on our building and to grow our business.

We were able to keep Monkitree open while away. I would get back every few months to hang shows and attend the openings. But there is no substitute for being there and running your own business. So for me it is time to hit the reset button and I have big plans for this year. Great art, great new products. Big movement on renovations on the building. Sure that will mean living in a construction zone but it will be progress. And that is why we made the sacrifices we made this year- living in Burke, not spending money, spending too much time commuting.

As I write this I am sitting in Virginia, looking forward to stepping back into my life in Gardiner one week from today. Unfortunately, Peter will be returning to Virginia. His contract was extended for three more months.



Artwork credit: Stepping Stone by Ellen Spencer. Her work will be included in the next show- Natural Inclination. Opening May 18th.

Beast In Show

Anyone who has a dog, cat, or animal of any sort that they have brought into their lives knows just how amazing these relationships can be. And people who have these strong bonds with animals tend to share these bonds with other animal lovers. It is one thing we know we have in common. When we are out walking our dogs, we chat about how old he/she is, how long we have had them, how we came to have them. We, of course, may never know these individuals names but they know our dogs name.

Two animal lovers whose names I do know, are the very talented Susan Mathias and Nancy McGinnis. They are the artists in the upcoming Beast In Show- An Art Show And Sale To Benefit Our Furry Friends. Artwork of animals and for animals. The opening reception is November 18th from 5:30-9pm at Monkitree and it is going to be fantastic. A portions of the sale of Susan's work will benefit the Kennebec Valley Humane Society and the sale of Nancy's work will benefit the Maine Greyhound Placement Service. Plus Monkitree will donate 10% of the total sales during the opening to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society. And to make it even more fun we have a drawing for a piece by each artist and will be holding a silent auction with gift certificates donated by local businesses. This last bit is a new development. It was exciting to have people so willing to get involved.

So come on out and enjoy an evening of amazing art and amazing people while you support local artists, local business and most importantly the animals.

Figures and Faces

Well July is here. And it will be busy! Saturday we leap into the car with Bo in Virginia and drive to Newark Airport. There we will pick up Marley and Levi (Peter's kids). Not sure how we will be fitting all of us in the Element but we will suffer through it. We will stop in Boston for the night then make our way to Gardiner. There I will be preparing for the next opening- Figures and Faces by Carol Wiley and HanJi Chang. I'm excited about this show because of the interaction between the artists in the month up to the show. I can't wait to see what has come of their collaboration. One thing is for sure- it will be bright and colorful. In my last post I used and image from Carol that was still a work in progress so you will have to come to the show to see how that piece evolved!

The opening on July 15th is going to be great fun for many reasons. There will be 3D glasses, food and beverages and good friends. Oh and it is the day after my birthday so join us while I will be continuing my celebration.

Keep On Keeping On

I am currently sitting in Burke, Virginia working on a press release and postcard for the upcoming show at Monkitree in Gardiner, Maine. I hadn't imagined that I would be back in the DC area but Peter's work required him to be down here... so here we are both working (on a Sunday). Of course this move will help us to complete our building renovations and continue to move forward with the life we began building in Gardiner. I miss Gardiner!

Fortunately I will be up in Gardiner soon for the last day of Kenny Cole's show and to hang and open the next show- Figures and Faces by Carol Wiley and HanJi Chang. The two have worked closely together and I am interested to see how this collaboration has influenced their work. And if you haven't seen the current show Gold, God, Guns and Girls,you should make a point to do so. I have my favorites that have stayed in my head.

Gold, God, Guns and Girls by Kenny Cole through July 9th.
Figures and Faces by Carol Wiley and HanJi Chang- Opening July 15th

Oh boy...

I wish I could say Spring is in the air but sadly there is a Winter Storm Advisory in effect through Friday and we may see another 6-12 inches. That said, there is the optimism that comes with Spring wafting about. I am preparing for our next Opening Reception for a show entitled "Gold, God, Guns and Girls" by Kenny Cole. I enjoy Kenny's use of words and his challenging subject matter. Kenny captures how we are bombarded by information constantly, yet still struggle to find truth in the words. Or as Kenny puts it,
"Sometimes it seems as though, in this age of instant information, the more information that we have at our fingertips, the less we actually know and that the further we advance as a species the more we become steeped in myth."

When I was first introduced to Kenny's work I fell in love with a series he calls "Prison Papers". On found prison forms, Kenny drew weaponry from the worlds arsenal. I was amazed, given the subject matter, I could find humor in his work. With "Gold, God, Guns and Girls," he again takes on serious subjects and makes us consider the power of words. He leaves it up to the viewer to "navigate this body of work to find their place between truth, fiction and the collective unconscious."

I look forward to introducing his work to everyone this Spring.

Valentine's Day

I have never been a big fan of Valentine's Day. I remember as a kid being disappointed with those hearts filled with chocolate. There were only ever a couple pieces that I actually liked. My sisters and I started poking our fingers through the bottom to see if we would like it before taking a bite. Eventually, we told my father that we didn't care for them and he started filling a shoebox with chocolate we actually liked. That was an amazing thing. It is always best to get someone what they like rather than what is expected. Which is why I haven't filled Monkitree with heart shaped things, red things, and silly jewelry. Just the same gorgeous artwork, jewelry and craft.

I also have a sense of humour about this holiday which probably comes from many a Valentine's Day as a single woman. My friend Liz and I would get each other things like- Grow a Boyfriend. So while I have some sweet Valentine cards, I also have many funny ones. Sometimes it is easier to say "I Love You" with a card that says "I'm Achin' For Your Bacon". Just sayin'.

What's in Store for 2011?

Having just returned after a ten day vacation, I am just beginning to evaluate this past year and look ahead. I haven't gotten very far on either. This year we need to make some strides on our building renovation. We have decided to turn our second floor space into an apartment that we can rent out which involves adding a small kitchen and a shower. Once we get started, I think this project will move forward quickly. It will be great to have the additional income and certainly would help us move forward on renovations to our living space. I'm sure once we put new appliances in the 2nd floor apartment I am going to want an upgrade from the harvest gold we are currently living with.

A Joyous Holiday Season to All!

Well here we are, a few days until Christmas and about ten to the New Year. At Monkitree we have recently marked our seventh month in business. We have come a long way in seven months and have big plans for the coming year- great shows, new products, an updated website. I want to thank everyone who has been a part of our growth- the artists and craftspeople who allow us to represent them, our neighboring businesses, our families who have supported us in countless ways, and of course our customers. It has been a great year but like many of you, I am hoping 2011 brings with it a new confidence and prosperity.

For those of you with shopping still left to do, Monkitree will be open 10am-6pm through Christmas Eve. We have great jewelry, pottery, cutting boards, textiles and fine art in every price range. Hope to see you before Christmas but if not Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let's make it a good one.

Who is Ready for Christmas?

Monkitree is well stocked with all sorts of fun gift items and great art. I love this time of year. There are the confident gift givers who know exactly what each person on their list will want. But there are also those who aren't confident in their gift giving and know they will need help. Some people are reluctant to ask for help, as if not knowing what their new daughter in-law would like is somehow a failing. I like helping these people. I start with simple questions like, "What color is her hair?" They know the answer to that one and they feel good! Then I start with options, "Would you describe her as contemporary or more traditional?" This is also good. Black and white. They can pick one. Again they feel good. And at the same time I am getting valuable information and am eliminating whole categories. Then we can get into suggesting items. Any hesitation and I move on, the key is finding a great gift not settling on something they are unsure about. Once we have found a great gift, we can move onto the co-worker or great-aunt or a more significant gift because once a reluctant shopper finds someone they can work with why go anywhere else?

Your Christmas Gift to Your Community

I found out today that Sportman's Bows, Arrows, Rods and Reels is closing. For months they have had a sign out front asking people to support local business. They didn't get the support they needed. These are difficult times for everyone. People are spending less. The costs of food and fuel are rising. People are feeling the strain. But there is something you can do to support your community- support your local independant stores. If you want to get a cup of coffee stop in to Sweet Love or A1 To Go instead of Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks. If you want to eat out go to the
A1 Diner or the Mad Dog instead of the Olive Garden. If you need a gift come into Monkitree instead of Target of Pier 1. When you support your local businesses you support your community. Your money stays in your community.

When someone buys something from me the money I make goes right back to the community. I will hire McFarland Electric and Ladd Plumbing to work on our building. I will buy from Harvey's Hardware for the projects I can complete myself. I will buy products for the store from local businesses who in turn put their money back into the community. It is important that we understand that the choices we make have a huge impact on our neighbors and our communities. I think it is important that we stop driving all over chasing the bargain and think about what we have in our own communities.

I fear for what is still to come in this terrible economy if we don't take it upon ourselves to support our local businesses. Let's make this Holiday Season a joyous one for our communities and our neighbors by supporting the businesses in our hometowns.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving has never been one of my favorite holidays, mostly because it features some of my least favorite foods. I could live without turkey and pie for that matter. I am usually entertained by the need to make several versions of cranberry sauce and the appearance of creamed onions (they only come out once a year). I like Thanksgiving as a holiday because it is a day to hang out with family and friends.

For the last 18 years of my life, Thanksgiving is a day of rest before the busy retail season. This year is the first Christmas season with my own store/gallery. I'm not quite sure what to expect but I have stocked up on great finds. Gorgeous bags, toasty hats and scarves, a range of jewelry, pottery, cutting boards, ornaments, and of course fine art. I hope that people know or will discover that unique gifts, made by hand are the best kind of gifts to give and receive.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I will be rested and ready to help you on Friday and throughout the Holiday season Tuesday-Friday 10-6 and Saturday 12-6. I will likely begin staying open late on Thursdays and certainly if you are unable to get in by 6pm due to your work schedule let me know and I will gladly make arrangements for you.

Local Artist Show

For the past week artists have been dropping off their pieces for the upcoming show- Creative Maine- The Works of Local Artists. I have met many of the artists before (about half live in the Gardiner area) but there are also quite a few that I had been corresponding with through email. So the drop off was sometimes my first in person meeting with the artist. I had many reasons for doing a local artist show and one reason of course, is it is an opportunity to develop a relationship with the art community. The show features 30 artists from Gardiner and around the state. As pieces are arriving, I am getting more and more excited about the range of work from small photographs to large paintings. There is really something for everyone in this show.

Never Fails

I almost always have my boxer, Bo, in the store with me. He is a well behaved dog, especially for a 2 1/2 year old. But some days he demands attention by "talking" to me. This can be quite annoying when I'm trying to get some work done...or have a customer I am talking to. If no one is in the store when he is in a mood, I will take him for a little stroll outside. I try to keep an eye on my door so I can see if anyone walks in while we are outside. Sometimes I miss seeing someone walk in the door and for some reason it is usually Mary Kay Spencer, a potter whose work I carry. This happened just yesterday. I don't know why this seems to always happen with Mary Kay. Yesterday I walked in one direction and even peeked in the window walking past in the other direction in case I had missed someone walking in. I didn't see anyone in there so I stopped and talked to a neighbor on the street. I was standing in front of the building when she walked out the door. Sorry Mary Kay. And if anyone walks in to an empty store just know I have likely run Bo outside for a minute and will be right back!

Too Early For Christmas

I have spent most of my adult life involved in retail. I am quite used to beginning to work on the Holiday Season in August but I was still surprised to receive the boxed Christmas cards today. Of course I ordered them and therefore should have expected them. It was still a bit of a shocker. A friend told me today there is a radio station in Indiana already doing 24 hour Christmas music. Christmas music before Halloween is just wrong.

Receiving those cards reminds me of all that needs to be done over the next few weeks to be prepared for the customers I expect (hope) will come. I have ordered bags and boxes and yes I was getting away with not having any boxes up to this point...it has only been 6 months. Still working on adding more merchandise. I'm sure I will get it all together and have a fabulous season...now back to work!