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.

THE LOST JUNE of 2009

June 2009. The month the Atlantic Northeast became the Pacific Northwest. Gloom, gray, rain- forest down pours and flat-lined temperatures with a range of 10 degrees. We New Englander's just aren't used to so many days without sunshine and blue skies. We've begun to celebrate "blue sky sightings!"

Where as a year ago I wrote about the sight and scent of walking the footpath and breathing deep the aroma of linden blossoms and honeysuckle, this year the torrential down pours flushed the linden blossoms to the ground , never having one bright, warm, sunny day where the air is filled with their intoxicating fragrance. Woe is me.....and many other regulars on the footpath.

Sunrise on June 20 had the majestic Great White Egret, standing in the green marsh grass,back lit with the rising sun. It was a spiritual moment.

And, yes, I do have to admit that after some of the late afternoon storms, the westerly setting sun illuminates the B&M Bean factory across the cove and paints the parting clouds with psychedelic pinks. A vision only nature could create. Until the "real" Maine summer arrives, we'll take what nature serves and look forward to "blue sky sightings!"

ON THE FOOT PATH

A warm breeze blows from the southeast. Trees are tipped in lime green leaves. The marsh grass has turned from brown to green overnight. Each Sunday, a designated "Walk for a Cause," takes to the foot path to raise funds for their organization. I know that the landscape architect, Fredrick Law Olmsted, would be pleased to know that his pedestrian walk-way, designed in the 1860's is used for such worthwhile civic celebrations.

Spring and all the glories that renew and refresh us each year has arrived.

Taking to the foot path for a late afternoon stroll, I feel like I'm visiting a botanical garden in full bloom. Residential gardens are showing their flowering spring finery: Daffodils, tulips, Japanese cherry trees, crab apples and forget-me-nots.Let me capture the image as it may be gone tomorrow.

By the Twin Bridges, a Great White Egret regally stands, snapping bugs from the air. Taking flight at the sensing of a change in motion, she retreats to a more protected inlet across the Boulevard. Feeding continues. The arrival of this Great White so early in the season is another sign of our unusually warm, sunny spring. I'll take it...with pleasure.

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK, MAY 2009

The weather was perfection. Sunny and seventy degrees. Could this really be May 1? Don't talk about it. Just enjoy it! So, I did on the First Friday Art Walk in Portland, Maine.

Beginning at AUCOCISCO GALLERY, now re-located to 89 Exchange Street, the place was humming with excitement. Patrons mingled in the light, open space that features contemporary fine art in a historical setting. Featured artist is Mary Hart whose ultra-realistic miniature interpretations of all things common is uncommonly pure in image and presentation. See her work at http://www.aucocisco.com/

Back out on the street, walking through Monument Square to the Arts District on Congress Street, it was feeling more like First Friday Fun Walk! People were out "en masse." A crowd gathered around Whitney Art Works where a sold-out live performance, BLUE HAMMER, was the weekend venue.

Up the street MECA students were selling wares created during their year of study. I'm a sucker for supporting these bohemian kids. A little dipping bowl, t-shirt and photos..I'm on my way.

Between MECA and The Holly Ready Gallery in the State Street Theater building on the corner of High St. and Congress, I was fortunate enough to encounter a May Basket and become the delighted recipient! Check out: http://vintagepointe.blogspot.com/

At the Holly Ready Gallery I was excited to see, up close, her vibrant, luminous, exploding with color, paintings of sky, sea and a few landscapes. http://www.hollyready.com/ Visiting her site is a wonderful journey but you can also watch her at work in the gallery located at 608 Congress Street.

My evening concluded at Restaurant 555. YES. They do have the best burger in town!

See you walking about.

LEAVE IT BETTER THEN YOU FOUND IT

The title is taken from one of the HYDE SCHOOL'S 12 Principles. It was a principle put into practice on April 24 as the employees of GORHAM SAVINGS BANK divided into teams of three and cleaned up all the litter that had accumulated on the grounds surrounding the Back Cove. Working diligently, they filled bag after bag with trash left behind by the many footpath pedestrians who apparently have no awareness of, "leaving it better then you found it."

Kudos and thanks to GORHAM SAVINGS BANK for creating an uncluttered, emerald ring around the crystal blue tidal basin. As I took to the footpath this morning it even smelled clean. Isn't it interesting how cleanliness affects all of our senses.

Maybe that's why a snowy egret has returned to our shores earlier then usual this season.

Let's all of us, "Leave it better then you found it."

"NEW" ON THE BLOCK

I love this time of year for all the new life it brings forth. My nosing around the Portland art and retail scene has stirred up a couple of exciting new venues in the Upper Exchange Street block.

AUCOCISCO, contemporary fine art gallery, has said adieu to the "Arts District" on Congress Street and taken up residency at 89 Exchange Street, the location made famous by the Daniel Kany Gallery. I'm sorry that Dan closed his storefront because he brought world class glass and exciting emerging artists to our Portland art scene. He also brought world class collectors to the neighborhood. Daniel Kany Gallery is re-opening at 24 Romasco Lane, Portland, Maine on June 7 for the First Friday Art Wak. In the meantime, Dan can be reached at www.kany.net.

As for AUCOCISCO, they'll unwrap their new space for First Friday Art Walk on May 1. Bring a May Basket and welcome Andres and his team to the neighborhood. I'm glad to have them on my routine town and art walk.

Following art and libations at AUCOCISCO, saunter down Exchange to Middle Street where you'll find a divine new coffee and pastry cafe. Next to Tommy's Park, at 185 Middle Street, BARD COFFEE is owned by a Maine guy, Tom Bard. He and his staff brew a fine cup and the pastries are from Jill Dewitt of GOOD EATS BOUTIQUE. This is nothing short of an experience found only at the famed New York destination, The Magnolia Bakery. BARD COFFEE is open 7am to 9pm, Sun - Thurs. and 7am to 11pm, Fri & Sat. http://www.bardcoffee.com/ Free internet service.

For GOOD EATS BOUTIQUE , http://www.goodeatsboutique.com/

Besides the good eats (no pun intended) and brew that won't bust your budget, the atmosphere is relaxing, sophisticated and just right for any time of day. Really. This coffee house is a place to take a date, meet a friend or enjoy some private time.

Portland is great about embracing local. These new kids on the block are worth a huge hug.