Over the last few weeks, we have shared much about all the changes and additions that are going on here at Maine Art. With Paintings and Sculptures, Shows and The Hill all experiencing some sort of growth and change, new staff has become a must.
When Natalie, our former Gallery Manager now Gallery Director, took on her new role, one of the duties she had to give up was framing. Even though she loves it, is tremendously good at it, and will miss it, it was time to hire someone to make both prints and framing their primary job. Of course, if you are going to hire a person, you might as well give them a brand new store to work in! Last week we told you all about the new shop at Maine Art Hill, Maine Art Prints and Framing. (Click here to read more.)
Those of you that know and love Natalie understand how particular and professional she is. For her to give this role over to someone else, they had to be good! So who is going to be the face of this new venture? None other than one of Natalie’s former co-workers, Louann McDonald.
Louann was born and raised in South Portland and is a local girl at heart. She came from a large family, six brothers and one sister. “My sister was a godsend. With six brothers we needed each other often,” says McDonald. “However, my husband Chris and I have only son, who is in high school. We do have many nieces and nephews, though.” Louann loves the area and even after the wandering of her youth, she came back to southern Maine and decidedly calls it home.
Her college years were spent at St. Michaels College in Vermont where she not only earned her BA in Art but played basketball for this small Division II school. With her background in art, she was still drawn to the retail setting and immediately was tagged “management material”. From apparel to art she has had experience with running a small business. So when Natalie called, she was intrigued. She was a bit sad that this time we don’t have any hoops schedule to be installed at the gallery, but we convinced her Maine Art was a place she could easily snuggle in and find a place for herself.
In Louann’s free time the kitchen has long been a place to create, both cooking and baking. Anyone worth their salt in the food industry knows what an art working with food can be. “I’m not ready for Masterchef or Chopped if you watch these shows, but I find the confines of my kitchen therapeutic,” laughs McDonald. Louann also enjoys the art of writing, mostly calligraphy. The peaceful feeling found while working in this medium brings joy and calm to what can often be a crazy world. “Throw in a great glass of wine, my dog, and the perfect non-fiction book, and I am a happy girl,” says McDonald.
The only thing that would make it better, travel. “The very top of my bucket list is Ireland. I love the history and the music of the area and would love to put my feet on their soil,” shares McDonald.
Louann begins her work here at Maine Art the first of February. We are excited to introduce her to the staff, and our artists and clients.
Remember February brings our 25% off Custom Framing Sale, which will be held at the 14 Western Ave location. We are welcoming her in, but putting her right to work! Please stop in and say hello. Check out our website for February hours by clicking here.
Hope to see you soon.
