DISCOVERING JUNE

For fifty-five years June Hopkins has owned The North Haven Gift Shop. Customers know her as the personable proprietor with good taste and a keen business sense. What many underestimated, or never knew, is that June is a noteworthy artist. Her talent captured center stage at the recent Hopkin's Family Exhibit in the North Haven Art Gallery.

In conjunction with the Shop's 55th Anniversary, the Hopkin's family presented an exhibit in the adjacent gallery. Works by son and acclaimed Maine artist, Eric Hopkins were easily identifiable. His distinctive style emerged at an early age with retail signs for the Shop and lobsters. But it was the seven paintings by June Collins Hopkins that caused the buzz and received the red dot indicating "SOLD."

For many years June has been painting botanicals, animals and landscapes. This past winter, under the tutelage of son Eric, June learned to find the focus in photos she had taken, crop the image and re-produce in watercolor using a loose-hand technique. From the onset, she responded to the subjects and style. Diligently painting every day, refining and refining and incorporating Eric's suggestions, a vast body of work was produced. Everyone privy to early glimpses responded accordingly, "Have you seen June's paintings!"

Party attendees and gallery patrons reinforced the affirmation. Now her latest works hang in private collections along side her son's.

Brisk sales of her art and the enduring success of The North Haven Gift Shop has June providing a life example to be emulated. Each act is significant but it just might be that Act III and a long ovation deliver the sweetest years.

The exhibit has been dismantled but a few of June's paintings are still on display in the gift shop. No web site, cash and checks only, M-Sat, 9:30 to 5. Ferry schedule available from the Maine DOT.

A VERY PLEASANT STREET

Just west of Portland's Old Port District and north of Commercial Street is a brief , little recognized and acknowledged street in the heart of the Studio District. Pleasant Street provides for the urbanite a most pleasing venue. Anchored by two very popular restaurants, HIGH BOMBAY on the east and AMBROSIA on the west, visitors will also find in a one block stretch three stores featuring singular treasures ,original jewelry and custom couture.

DESIGNS by CC has been a mainstay on Pleasant Street for seventeen years. Originally trained at Bailey, Banks and Biddle in Philadelphia, Cheryl Cook provides custom design jewelry, diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones, stringing and repair work and a vast selection of rocks and minerals to a very loyal clientele. Designs can be yours, hers or a combination. There is always one given. The craftsmanship will be executed to perfection and the piece will attract recognition. ttp://www.designsbycc.net/ (207.761.9697.) On a recent visit to Designs by CC, I also discovered two new boutiques in the neighborhood: COREY & CO. and CHELLISWILSON.

Barbara Corey Rosencranz opened COREY & CO in 2009. A recognized artist and sculpture, Barbara brings her passion for three dimensional,functional art to the creation of COREY couture, one of a kind garments that are wearable works of art. Simple designs making a statement with textiles and/or finishing elements. Of equal significance are her offerings of jewelry, scarves, espadrilles, belts and inspired home decor. A night-lite "light book" shares shelf space with antique inspired sleeping gowns. Metal Pointas-Paris jewelry made from re-claimed tea pot and flatware mixed metals present in tandem to Peter Erickson's old world silversmith signet rings and cuff bracelets. COREY & CO personifies, "Less is more." Everything is appealing. Daily blog postings coming soon. (207.761.4200)

Newly opened and still merchandising is CHELLISWILSON, a minimalist, design inspired,very European boutique. Barbara(yes another,) features artisan constructed garments and furnishings from both coasts. Anxiously awaiting for more offerings culled with her designers eye! www.chelliswilson.com (207.518.9018)

Pleasant Street provides a shopping alternative for the person who seeks the unique, yet functional item to enhance their wardrobe and/or home. When you're exhausted from exploring the creative... grab a bite at one of the restaurants. Maybe you'll have energy for more browsing.

Seeking something new? Get out of the Port and off the Hill. Make way to Pleasant Street where the newest and freshest will be found. Most establishments open M-Sat. and by appointment.