The Kennebec Explorer 2014 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 33

Arts, Crafts and Antiques. Delightful objects to behold. Antiques | Craft | Fiber Art | Native American Culture Antiques Central Many diehards compare their search in terms of “the hunt.” And we are proud to have more than a few spots across the region that have attracted “pickers” looking for that perfect piece of American farm history, a country table or a road sign that completes a room. Hallowell’s River Street, running along the riverfront, is closely lined with a small but well-groomed collection of antique shops, art galleries and boutiques all packed to the gills with the best stuff (old and new) you have ever laid your eyes on. But don’t stop with Hallowell. Start there! Then head up to Fairfield for a day’s antique adventures at the Fairfield Antiques Mall on 201. If you plan your trip right, you might be rewarded when you witness the world’s foremost firearms auctioneer James D. Julia ­— an Antiques Roadshow regular — in action. So, if you are on the hunt, keep your eyes open, your ears perked up and you know whom to ask. Bargains and surprises await you at every turn. Craft A couple years back, the Maine Turnpike Authority entered into a wonderful relationship with the Maine Craft Association and opened the Center for Maine Craft at the West Gardiner rest area. No matter what time of year, if you take the time to stop in you’ll get the chance to pick up something special created by one of Maine’s hugely-talented collection of crafts workers. You can also stop in at the Maine Made & More stores in Belgrade, Augusta and Waterville for more Maine craft and gifts that truly “speak like a Mainer.” Fiber Art “Only in Maine” is a phrase heard from time to time, but with the annually held Fiber Frolic, they may be right. This early June festival held at the Windsor Fairgrounds is a little like a mecca for the fiber art world. It is a marketplace “celebrating fiber, fiber animals and fiber arts.” Not too Baaaad! Native American Culture For our visitors with an interest in the craft and work of the first people to inhabit Maine, make the trip over to the south- western part of Somerset County along Route 27 where you’ll find Nowetah’s American Indian Museum. The owners offer a free glimpse into what might be one of the larger private collections of American Indian crafts, pottery and baskets in all of New England. With over 600 examples of basketry and bark containers, it really is a sight to behold. For more information on Antiques and Crafts, visit KennebecValley.org. 31