Hi everyone, 

Life has been hectic with the gradual reopening as COVID cases decline, and hours are back to normal.  We are now up to 37 artisans, most CT based, and a few new local producers of those yummy goods you all love.  We have new teas, from two CT based tea specialists - Simpson and Vail, and Whole Harmony for You.  Yummm.  And, we have a new soap maker, Christina of The Juniper Loft Soap Company.   Christina came highly recommended by regular customers who know great soaps...and I agree!  The scents are lovely, and they lather so well.  Our regular artisans are continually updating their displays and goods, so stop in soon to see what's new.  Our regular hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 11-4, and open late on Second Fridays for Arts on Main, from 6-8 pm.  

Just a quick note this month, as January was a month of sickness around here and I'm so far behind in all I'd hoped to accomplish!  

We started this month off by welcoming in five (!) new artisans.  We are now home to a display of Quilibet's very interesting jewelry, Mimi's Magical Creations - beautiful crocheted and woven dream catchers, GnomeBuddies - you just have to see these, Cathy T's amazing glass globe and mini-plantings with succulents - all decorated up for Valentine's Day, and Dash & Lou - jewelry designs with anklets and earrings!  Stop in to see, and do some shopping for your Valentine or yourself!  We'll be open late this Friday for Arts on Main - 6-8 pm on every second Friday!  

Stay warm and healthy!!  

​Dot

...Oh, what a year it has been!  2019 has brought us so many gifts...the closing of my last photo studio in Tolland, and the move to the beautifully lit and wonderful gallery space, here on Main Street in historic Stafford Springs, CT.  If you haven't yet made it to town, you must make a trip.  I grew up in town, (and currently live only one town away!) and celebrated my 50th high school reunion this year...yes, 50 years!!  It was such fun to have so many classmates stop in at the gallery while they were in town for the reunion weekend.  And, as timing would have it, the town of Stafford had a huge celebration the same weekend for the 300th anniversary of the town.  There was a great party at the Stafford Motor Speedway with historical exhibits, music, food, artists and crafters, and performers.  

This last week of 2019 has been a busy one, though we're supposed to be 'off' for the holidays.  We have had a computer upgrade here at home and with Mark's (the ever helpful hubby) help, we are about to enter the 21st century with brand new Excel sheets for keeping track of sales for all our artisans/product suppliers.  This should make things all the more efficient, and a real time-saver from all the hours I've been spending doing paper/pencil tasks all these months.  My tech advisor, Andy, has me almost all set up to begin sending out a monthly email as well, so stay tuned for that - a goal since we opened in May!  

Our holiday hours have been posted on our Facebook page at Artisans at Middle River, but we'd love to see you sometime soon.  We'll be restocking this week, to make up for the crazy busy days we had just prior to the holidays!  We can't thank all our customers enough for the wonderful support we've had in our first seven months of business, and we're looking forward to our first anniversary celebration this spring!  Stay tuned!!

xoxo  Dot