Business Focus • 2015
Celebrating the uniqueness of The County
Morning Star Art & Framing, the largest art supply store north of Bangor, is a shop that celebrates the uniqueness of living in Maine, and especially in Aroostook County.
Owners Brian Brissette and Jane Caulfield feel that it is the painters, photographers, potters and other artisans that set this beautiful place apart from any other. Open for 10 and a half years, they’ve built a reputation with artists and artisans throughout “The County” and the state of Maine as a successful outlet for their work. The work of more than 85 local artists can be seen — and purchased — at the shop.
Local residents and visitors are also recognizing Morning Star Art & Framing as the place to go for Maine-made gifts. “Word is getting around that this is the place to go if you love things made by a skilled artisan’s hands or by an artist who is inspired by this northern land and its people,” said Brissette, noting that Morning Star ships art worldwide.
Morning Star carries American Indian baskets, paintings and photography, jewelry, and knitted and fabric handbags. If you stop in, Jane or Brian can tell you about each artist and their work, if you have the time and interest.
On the framing side of things, the shop is getting a great reputation as the place for artists to have their work matted and framed with archival quality materials. They also take great pride in helping customers find exactly the right frame for their photos and mementos that will keep them looking their best for many years.
The thing we love the best about our job is what the framing industry calls the “wow factor.” Jane explained that often times a customer will bring in a photo or print, and they spend the time they need to pick out something that they like, that looks great with the picture and also matches their décor. When they pick it up a couple weeks later they say “WOW!” “I like when that happens.”
You can visit Jane and Brian at Morning Star Art & Framing at 422 Main St. in Presque Isle or call 764-1810.
