Something special is happening in Portland’s East End on June 28, and it’s not your average craft fair. Found Object, presented by Shop Maine Craft, is a one-day marketplace of studio seconds, surplus supplies and hands-on creative energy that invites shoppers, collectors and fellow artists alike to discover unexpected treasures. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28 at Running With Scissors Art Studios at 250 Anderson St., Portland, rain or shine.
Featuring more than 40 artists and makers from across Maine, Found Object offers a rare opportunity to shop directly from studios, score unique and discounted goods, and connect with the creative community that thrives in and around Portland. Visitors can expect handmade items, one-of-a-kind discoveries, and everything from extra materials to second-tier work that didn’t make it to the gallery but still tells a compelling story. In other words, it’s a haven for art lovers, curious hobbyists and treasure hunters alike.
Among the day’s highlights is the return of the mobile gallery Pots on Wheels, where visitors can partake in the Make-A-Cup, Take-A-Cup exchange, observe live ceramic demos, and get their hands in clay. Photographer Cole Caswell will also be on site with his AgNO3 Lab, offering tintype portraits using the historic wet-plate collodion process. Each sitter walks away with a luminous metal photograph developed on-site and ready to frame or gift.
For sustenance, M Platter Paradise and Side by Side coffee cart will be serving up snacks and beverages to keep energy levels high as guests wander the outdoor event, taking in the range of work and stories behind it.
“Expect the unexpected at Found Object,” says Whitney Gill, executive director of Shop Maine Craft and the Maine Crafts Association. “Whether you’re an estate sale treasure hunter, a hobbyist or a collector, you’ll find pieces here that are unlikely to surface at your typical craft show or supply store. From one-of-a-kind discoveries to special guests like Pots on Wheels, this is a fun & fresh event designed for Portland’s creative community.”
With free admission and plenty of nearby parking on Anderson Street, Marginal Way and the commuter lot, Found Object promises a low-barrier, high-reward experience for anyone with an eye for the unique and handmade. For more information, visit shopmainecraft.com/programs/found-object.
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