Paying a visit to the "home" of Rocky Mountain Antique Quilts is truly like visiting behind the…read morescenes of the Americana Collection at the Smithsonian Museum, with often brilliantly colored quilts at your literal finger-tips even though most seem to be well over 100 years old and actually to 200 years and quite possibly beyond. They are not secured behind locked glass as one might expect but, instead, are directly out in the open and very touchable. Therefore, realizing this, it is no surprise that a visitor is first directed to a hand-washing station and even requested to wear gloves before handling any of the quilts. The presence of fast-food ketchup and grease and the like on even well-meaning strangers coming in the door must be presumed and guarded against -- just like "behind the scenes" at The Smithsonian. My and my wife's experience was the same on our first visit, and on just scanning the magnificence of the collected quilts, we quickly and fully understood. As to the quality and the variety of the quilts available for viewing and sale, they are simply remarkable -- as is readily seen by the quilts offered on the website. The owner "Betsey" is a fount of knowledge who "sells" with truly verifiable facts and not just "creative writing" as do so many. I can personally attest to the precise accuracy of the descriptions and representations having both been physically a "guest visitor" / shopper on-site as well as over the years having purchased at least -10- quilts, all over 100 years old and most 150 years old, and more. EVERY one of the quilts requested arrived in a condition and with qualities actually better than described. She is also immediately responsive even to general inquiry, such as when recently I really needed technical assistance cataloguing and identifying with particularity -- especially regarding pattern variations -- as well as dating the ones in my wife's antique quilts collection. In short, I both recommend "Betsey" and her Rocky Mountain Antique Quilts absolutely, without hesitation or reservation, as the quilts offered have always been truly exceptional, AND I endorse their up-front directing visitors to a hand-washing station to protect the integrity of such rarified goods for both the visitor and all those interested in the same quilt[s] that follow.

Betsey Telford-Goodwin's Rocky Mountain Quilts shop houses a stunning collection of antique quilts…read moreand unequaled source of vintage fabrics with which she and her staff meticulously restore old quilts. Put her shop in her antique house in old York, Maine, on your destination list! Learn about quilts in her shop. She is an appraiser of antique quilts which she will do on-line or in her shop. On the spot, Betsey can expertly explain the fabrics used, designs, colors, threads, and dyes, all the while giving you a sense of the sociology of the period of the piece and the circumstances of the quilter. She beautifully restored an 1850s quilt we have had for many years, giving it new life, and us a much better understanding of its probable history. I was so excited I brought four friends to Betsey for a morning's lecture on early American quilts that left us breathless with wonder about the designs, the variety, the loving care, the history and inherent humanity of each piece. Visit this gem on the Maine Coast!

This is the place to go for all your framing. Sandy has decades of framing experience and good…read moretaste. Her eye is impeccable. Her prices are extremely reasonable, the quality is excellent, and the turn-around time is fast. Her studio is large and well-lit. If you need/want input, Sandy will offer several suggestions and will lay out options. If you know what you want - no problem! She'll make sure it's exactly that. She has an enormous array of frames and mats and does amazing work on wrapped canvases and shadow boxes as well as more traditional art framing. I've had five items framed at Mill River in the last two years, and will bring future artwork only to her. Sandy is friendly and welcoming, and treats a new customer as if you've been friends for years. She's self-deprecating and has a wonderfully dry sense of humor. Her work time estimates are always right on the nose. I whole-heartedly recommend Sandy and Mill River Custom Framing.

The Button Factory Studios are a collection of artist studios about 1/2 mile from downtown…read morePortsmouth. It's not the only mill building to be converted into artist's studios, but I think they've done the best job. More than any other similar building, when I'm walking through the halls of this place I just want to chuck it all and pretend that I can paint. Or draw. Or make furniture. Or maybe jewelry. You get the idea. Just being around all of the creativity in this building (actually several buildings) is habit forming and I want to be a part of it. Every year they have a weekend called Open Studios. Many of the artists open their studios to the public and other artists rent space in the hallways, and they'd all be happy to sell you whatever they've made. Since this is during the holidays and it's in a fairly artsy community, it's popular. Parking is horrible, it's hot inside, and you won't get anywhere in a hurry because of the crowds, but the stuff you'll see is amazing. I have no idea what the day to day issues of working in this space are. I don't know if the owner keeps on top of things, I don't know who pays the heat or picks up the trash. All I know is that this space is one of the coolest and most creative spots in a very cool and creative city, and there's a waiting list to get in so having a studio here is probably a terrific thing.

Nothing brings me more joy than being able to see what other loyal art laborers have for exhibit…read more The old button factory has since been converted into a labyrinth of artist studios (inspiration, color, and life around each corner). Once a year, the artists open their studios and exhibit their work to the public... ~~OPEN STUDIOS is usually the first weekend of December (2011: DECEMBER 3 and 4, 2011 OPEN STUDIOS! 11-5pm!!!) admission fee 0$~~ *Several of the artists offer classes (painting, sculpting, quilting, etc). *My favorite studios to visit: Emma Ashby (an increeedible wax artist - her work breaths life and brightness), Erin A. Ellis (an aspiring childrens book illustrator who has created this adorable creature: the chubbikin), Jen Murray (wonderfully talented photographer - - - great to keep in mind for wedding planning couples, or collectors of unique prints), Sarah Minor (painter of canvas floor cloths), and Roger Goldenberg (crazy awesome, 3-dimensional paintings!). *For SALE??!!! Yes, some works are a bit...costly, but these are pieces which will last a lifetime (and then another...and another). Spread the love, invest in art! Just when the holidays are shifting into fourth gear, it's a wonderful way to spend an early-December morning. Great (brilliant!) people, a unique space, and (of course) enough artistic eye candy to light your own wee inspiration candle.

Nice yarn shop. They have beautiful colors and styles to choose from. The service is always…read morefriendly there and the prices are pretty decent. They do offer classes, so if you're looking to take up knitting or crocheting, or maybe just want to meet new people, stop by and ask.

My favorite local yarn shop !! Among many other great yarns, Andrea carries an abundance of…read moreHedgehog Fibre and Farmer's Daughter along with Sandes Garn! The shop boosts a number of unique bags, notions and extras!!!

this was a very nice museum of curated local and regional American paintings and sculptures…read more amazing location, building and grounds.

I absolutely adore visiting this beautiful gallery. It's perched on the southern Maine coast in a…read moresmall town, on a residential street. It feels tucked away like a secret. Theres limited parking, but an overflow lot helps. Even as you walk across to the entrance door, you'll see some artwork in the gardens. Inside, there are multiple rooms and the exhibits change throughout the year. The signage and commentary is excellent, and it's very well curated. The best part is the sculpture garden out the back, but the views of the ocean are quite distracting - so make sure you save time to wander around and take it all in! OMAA is well worth the visit.

truly unique clothing items colorful creative - a visual…read moretreat visited friday 31 july friendly sales person bobphotoman

Very awesome store - not sure how to describe it- bc it has a little of this and a little of that…read more It's all stuff made by locals - which I loved. Also there are place cards all around the store to showcase the "family" of artists. Got to chat with two of the workers while visiting they were so friendly welcoming and just seemed happy to help and answer questions. The stuff is cool - unique - and prices seemed reasonable. It's right on the corner. Spent about 20 mins here. Definitely recommend Sitting area and ample fitting rooms.

Tulips has moved to 62 Market St, about 2 blocks away from their old location. Things are still…read morebeing set up but it's a cute space and it's looking good. As someone who hates to move, I have to congratulate the owner on getting everything together so fast! I think this is the space that used to be "The Tub Shop" and this may be the only store on that block of Market St. that I haven't been inside. If you're looking for something crafty with a Portsmouth theme, the selection here is really good. Of course there's a lot more than that inside, and you should check it out for yourself.

Found *the* perfect gift for my creative, quirky and wonderful mother-in-law at Tulip's. They carry…read moreart, pottery, jewelry and will definitely be a gift must-stop the next time we find ourselves in Portsmouth... which will hopefully be sooner than later.

I've visited and bought from Van Ward gallery for years now. It's a very small gallery,…read moreunprepossessing, at the back of a restaurant in Ogunquit, but Chris (the owner) has got some gems in there! It's worth the time and effort to peruse its offerings and flip through the stacks of paintings - you never know what you'll uncover! Chris represents primarily local artists in the Maine/Mass/NH area and has a unique collection and taste. I've obtained some of my favorite paintings from his shop. No pretensions and no pressure to buy; Chris is also very happy to discuss the backgrounds and styles of the artists - and once he gets to know you, also willing to give favored pricing, discounts, or deals. I don't buy every time I visit, but Van Ward's been a favorite and de rigueur stop on our annual Maine vacations.