The Kennebec Explorer 2015 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 21

Arts, Crafts and Antiques. Delightful Objects to Behold.
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 primitive table or a vintage road sign
that completes a room.
Hallowell’s Water 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 and your ears
perked up, and if you know whom to ask, bargains and surprises
await you at every turn.
Crafts
A couple of 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 it is, 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 craft artists. 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 Arts
“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 crafts 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.
Learn more at KennebecValley.org
19