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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 J U N E 1 5 , 2 0 2 6 On the night of the art walk, Bodwell says that while business has been good the past couple of years, the studio is in a "little bit of a slump," which is typical for spring, as clay gets harder and more expensive to source – especially blue cobalt that's imported from Africa. A coworking space for ceramic artists, Mill Pond offers pottery classes and memberships. One of the workstations is packed with molds and antique-like blue-and- white cups and plates created by Selina Chan of Tealight Studios. "I love working with my hands," Chan says holding up a cup with a slip-cast handle. ough she typically sells her cre- ations at shows and through a small retail store in Kennebunkport, the season's first art walk was a quiet night for business. Still, "I'd be happy to participate again," she says. "Anything to help Biddeford's art scene grow and encour- age more visitors in the future." For upcoming art walks, improving visibility for studios in the mills remains a goal to the extent possible in privately managed buildings, says Larry Weyand of Art of Biddeford. "Participation varies from studio to studio, but our goal is to create opportu- nities for artists across the city and keep improving the event based on feedback," Weyand says. Meanwhile on Main Street, Jonas Lavasseur was hawking original laser- cut jigsaw puzzles of landscapes and wildlife in a corner spot near his studio. "No one else is doing puzzles and these are all originals," he says. e eight puzzles he sold that night were higher than average for him. For other vendors like Julia Sternad, spending a few hours behind a table is more about chatting with visitors than ringing up sales. e high school voca- tional rehabilitation counselor makes jewelry as a hobby, pairing beads from thrift-store finds with semi-precious gemstones. After selling five items that first night, Sternad plans to participate throughout the summer. "I really like that Heart of Biddeford doesn't require a fee so I get to keep all the profits I make," she says. For the life you choose. 1.888.725.2207 norwaysavings.bank/lets-talk M E M B E R F D I C Consistency that helps move your business forward. Running a business means navigating change. Markets shift. Plans evolve. But strong business relationships should be constant. For 160 years, Norway Savings Bank has supported businesses through every cycle, every challenge, and every opportunity. Our team is built on consistency—local experts who know your business, understand your industry, and are there to help keep it moving forward. Because when everything else changes, the right team stays with you. Plans change. Relationships endure. Business banking that starts with you. Joseph McDonnell, President & CEO Angela Gillespie, Vice President Howell Laboratories, Inc. P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R Cheryl Lichwell in her studio in the Pepperell Mill complex. Her sculptures strike a pensive tone.

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