HOULTON — Susan Glick, a potter who lives in Littleton, said she used to love having people enjoy her pottery displays at Vision’s/Blue Moon Gallery.
So when the sole art gallery in Houlton closed for good on Saturday, June 18, ending a 13-year tenure in the historic downtown, she said she was “really upset.”
“Not only did they provide a great outlet for us as artists, the gallery really did a lot for us as a community and the downtown as a whole,” Glick said. “I was really sad to see it go.”
The gallery was located at 66 Main Street and operated under the Southern Aroostook Cultural Arts Project banner.
Karin Cohen, spokesperson for SACAP said in June that the gallery had to close due to the organization not having enough volunteers or board members to do all the work required for the facility to stay operational.
The group of artists and volunteers had provided a space for local artists to showcase and sell their work, as well as a classroom setting for workshops and group meetings.
The number of individuals willing to donate their time and energy has dwindled in recent years, which Glick acknowledged is unfortunate, but she said there is still a flourishing arts community in Aroostook County.
“The gallery was such a source of stimulation around here, and they did amazing things for children by going into the schools and working with them,” she said. “They also had the student art show each year, which showcased the work of budding artists. I think everyone will miss that.”
Glick said she has just started a relationship with The County Co-Op and Farm Store, where she is showcasing her pottery in the hopes of making sales. She also is back to selling her wares at local craft fairs once a week.
“I am also going to see if I can sell things at the local mom and pop stores,” she said with a laugh. “That is what you have to do if you are an artist and this happens.”
William Duncan of Stockholm also said he was “very sad” to see the gallery close. He had several paintings and some of his photography showcased at the organization over the years. Currently in Florida for the winter, he said last week that he is working to find a new setting to sell his work in both states.
“I did some craft fairs in Maine and a show at the Mark and Emily Turner Library in Presque Isle, and I sold a few paintings from that,” he said. “I am back working again down here with a group of artists, which I am enjoying.”
Duncan has a website, but said he “hasn’t been attentive to it.”
“That is something I plan to take care of in the future, so hopefully I can use it to sell more of my work through that,” he said.
Duncan also said that Aroostook County has a significant arts community, and that losing a resource like the Blue Moon Gallery would “leave quite a dent that would be hard to fill.”
“I felt bad particularly for the artists in the Houlton area,” he said. “I hope there is some other place that opens soon to fill the gap.”
