| The Waldoboro
Business Association
promotes mutual support for our
members, encourages business
growth in our community, and
recognizes the importance of the
quality of life in our community. |
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WBA Business Profile of the Month
Tidemark Gallery was conceived in 2005 by a group of Waldoboro residents as a
business to market the talents of a large number of artists and artisans who
live in Waldoboro. The gallery, located on Main Street (Old Route 1), is a
light-filled, historic landmark with plenty of architectural charm.
Since its inception, Tidemark has become a destination for both residents and visitors
to Waldoboro due to its ever-changing roster of shows throughout the year. In addition
to shows featuring the gallery's many talented artists, the gallery also sponsors shows
with notable guest artists that attract considerable attention. "Over time, through
artist's receptions, exposure through newspaper articles, direct mail, posters, word
of mouth, as well as the gallery's new website, more and more people have become aware
of what this gallery has to offer," says Charlotte Davenhill, Tidemark's owner. "There
seems to be a great deal of public awareness and community interest in what is happening
at the gallery. Our exhibitions present a variety of styles and types of art that serve
to attract a broad spectrum of art lovers and customers."
The gallery is also a popular choice for artists seeking to exhibit their work. "There
is a special group dynamic among Tidemark's artists that creates an atmosphere of respect
and cooperation where we share information and support each other's creative growth," says
Waldoboro artist Ardy Greatorex who exhibits at Tidemark. In fact, most of the artists
represented at Tidemark Gallery call Waldoboro "home." Many specifically chose Waldoboro
as their hometown, settling here because of its quiet beauty, the diversity and tolerance
of the people and the clean, unspoiled environment. "We've found the Waldoboro community
to be very supportive of the Gallery and it is very important to us that we are able
to give back that support by attracting visitors who will also be potential customers
of our business neighbors," says John Blamey, another of the artists represented at
Tidemark.
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WBA Profile:
Tidemark Gallery
902 Main Street
Waldoboro,ME 04572
207-832-5109
www.tidemarkgallery.com
Gallery Hours
May 20th thru Oct 8
Tue - Sat 10 am to 5 pm
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The Gallery has always wanted to encourage artists and art lovers to visit Waldoboro
and to promote the artists who live and work here. Thus, in April 2006, was born "Paint
the Town," a plein aire art event in which artists create paintings during the day and
sell them at a live auction following an artists' reception that evening.
Paint the Town is truly a community event and Tidemark has been proud to work with
the Waldoboro Business Association in building a coalition of groups that bring it
all together. Medomak Valley Land Trust members host artists on private scenic
properties that would normally be closed to the public. The Waldoboro Lions Club
takes care of logistics at the VFW Hall for the day's event. The Waldoboro Public
Library hosts the reception, and the Medomak Valley Community Foundation runs the
live art auction to cap the day.
The event brings artists from all over New England, and boasts total sales of over
$28,000 in its first two years. The artists get to keep 75%, with the remaining 25%
being shared by the organizers. In return for their hard work and commitment, the
non-profit organizations have taken in over $6,400 in the past two years. Through
auction sales, donations, and post-event sales, Paint the Town has brought over
$45,000 to Waldoboro’s economy. This success is a great example of what a community
can do to create its own economic stimulus.
Now in its third year, Paint the Town is adding yet another feature with artists'
workshops during the week preceding the event. Those interested in registering for
the workshops can do so at www.waldoboromaine.org
This year, Waldoboro's day to Paint the Town is August 16th, the third Saturday of the month.
The Tidemark Gallery has found that its membership in the WBA has many rewards. "It's a
terrific way to get to know so many hard-working, talented and dedicated business
people who live in our town. And it provides excellent networking opportunities for
new, existing and potential businesses. Even just a few minutes at a WBA meeting or
social event can be enough time to learn some history of what has worked, what hasn't,
and to get a sense of what new strategies may be possible," says Charlotte Davenhill.
"We look forward to continuing to grow along with the WBA."
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