BELFAST—More than 60 artists and 18 members of Belfast Harbor Artisans have, once again, found a home on 69 Main Street in Belfast.

After their lease ran out three years ago across the street, the artist cooperative found themselves without a gallery.

“We have been looking for a space ever since,” said Nancy Davies Tang, the cooperative’s spokesperson.

“We were very happy to find this spot,” said Lou Davies-James, one of the members. “We couldn’t be any more thrilled to be back. Belfast is a great location for foot traffic and is a great town.”

Davies-James, who makes altered arts was working with fellow member Karen Lannon, of Maine Sea Creations, late last week to put up shelving and organize the the space before it opens.

It has taken close to two months to renovate the space, with the help of the co-op’s artists and members.

“It was very dark in here,” said Davies-James. “The floors were nearly black. And the walls were this off-white that needed to be repainted. We also had to remove two of the walls to let in more light.”

Formerly the site of the Epoch store, the long narrow interior was painted with bright white on the tin-type ceiling and walls and aqua blue-green on the wood floors. The same color scheme is repeated on the storefront and front doors.

“We were going for a coastal theme,” said Davies Tang.

“Everyone chipped in where they could,” said Davies-James. “Some assisted with the painting and construction, while others had skill sets more around marketing and advertising.”

Davies-Tang said the Belfast Harbor Artisans  has been in existence at least 15 years and the entire cooperative, which includes the Harbor Artisans in Southwest Harbor, has been around for 32 years.

There is still a lot of work to be done, but they will be ready for the grand reopening, and ribbon cutting, on May 25 at 10 a.m. As it is also Belfast Friday Art Walk that day, they will kick off the celebrations at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and will have refreshments and artists on hand to meet and greet.

All work is made in Maine by full-time Maine residents. The shop will be open daily until Dec. 29 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days). Hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, open to 8 p.m. on Belfast Friday Art Walks.

For more information, visit their Facebook page.

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Photos by Kay Stephens

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com