Mainely Frames & Gallery — Attraction in Portland

I was just wandering around and stumbled upon this store. I’m a big thrifter/lover of vintage things and this store was the JACKPOT.

1. it was the Mary Poppin’s bag of stores—so much bigger inside then you’d guess from the outside, as there’s an entire underground level that’s I think larger than the main floor.

2. what a quirky, cool, unique shop filled with new and old pieces that the owner/workers are clearly passionate about (mostly maps but also lots of eclectic vintage art work, framed and not), for very reasonable prices.

3. I think it was the owner who helped me out but whoever he was he was exceptionally kind, knowledgeable and when I mentioned I was bummed I was traveling with only a carry on and couldn’t buy larger pieces he mentioned how cheap shipping is so in the end I bought almost half a dozen pieces. He took down my shipping info for me and shipped my pieces so quickly they were waiting for me when I got home (and shipping was only like 10 or 15 bucks for some pretty sizeable framed art pieces).

10/10 one of the cooler stores I’ve stumbled upon in my travels and will...

It is a beautiful gallery with a wide selection of maps. However, not great with framing artwork. The first time I picked up the artwork, the frame was not what I ordered. They mixed it up with someone with the same last name. They fixed it. When I finally showed the artist the finished product, they were less than pleased with the quality and framing. I went back and respectfully shared the artist's concerns and was told. "I've been framing for 30 years and artists always think they know more than me." They were dismissive of me and disrespectful...

Friday, August 4th, was " First Friday Art Walk " night in Portland, Maine. I haven't been able to attend this monthly event for over 10 summers. I was able to attend in spite of the rain. I was able to visit the festive goings on at Mainely Frames & Gallery. There was wine and cheese and other snacks along with guitars. A good time was being had by all. I had an enjoyable quick visit. This place is a Congress Street art and map resource with a 40 - 50+ yr history....