New Portland shop will put artisans center stage
An unlikely duo of an international financier and a photographer are teaming up to open a new Portland brick-and-mortar gallery shop on Washington Avenue that will feature original art, handmade furniture and home goods with a bend toward local artisans.
Venn + Maker, which was founded by photographer Samuel Strickland and Michael Fortier, a director for J.P. Morgan Chase, is slated to open the week before Thanksgiving at 65 Washington Ave., the Bangor Daily News reported.
In addition to housing the gallery shop, the 2,350-square-foot space will also feature a working seamstress’ studio. Fortier told the BDN that eventually he hopes to find a building where he can establish a larger maker's space.
“We are looking to unite the young group of entrepreneurs moving to Maine with local makers,” Fortier told the BDN.
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments