Why Maine? “I (Dana) was born in Portland and, growing up, never missed a summer in Boothbay Harbor. And in summer, we love to get out on the water in Casco Bay. Best of all, count on finding something in any price range and for every occasion, from birthdays to weddings.īestselling product? Our own poster calendar! The calendars are available in poster or desktop size.įavorite spot? David’s 388 on Cottage Road in South Portland for a nice get-away-from-it-all dinner. The calendars, now in their twenty-sixth year of publication, are showcased in each of the Abacus stores and sold through a robust list of retail operations.Ī field trip to Abacus is a bit like visiting a museum, yet touching and trying on items is encouraged. While five stores would be enough for most, the two partners also manage to run a small publishing operation that turns out calendars, prints, giclee prints, and notecards based on Heacock’s original paintings. “When we see a space, we begin to imagine the possibilities.” “Stumbling upon the buildings is similar to finding new artisans,” says Heacock. Their original location was later followed by shops in Portland, Freeport, Kennebunkport, and finally Ogunquit.

They relocated to Maine and opened their Boothbay Harbor shop in 1971.

“But curating and displaying the art and crafts drew us in, and propelled us to keep at it.” “It was a bit of a hippie shop, reflective of the times,” says Scaglione. Their first venture featured work by former classmates along with a hodgepodge of crafts. “We had no idea what we were doing, and certainly had no sense that it would have any longevity,” says Heacock. Shortly after graduating from RISD, Heacock and Scaglione opened their first shop in Vermont. And so do scores of tourists and summer residents who can’t resist the lovely window displays filled with an eclectic mix of goods. Established customers check in to see what new finds Abacus has in stock. Their approach-classic products mixed with fresh discoveries-is perhaps the reason why Abacus has become an anchor of Maine’s retail scene. Some of the inventory has been part of the Abacus mix since the beginning, and new products are being introduced all the time. The two gallery owners trawl the country for new treasures and receive daily submissions from local and national artisans. Customers will find one-of-a-kind clocks made from recycled materials, classic and contemporary jewelry and watches, glass lamps, eco-friendly throws, charming cards, handcrafted wooden boxes, pottery collections, and paintings-all of which reflect the unusual, often whimsical design sense that Heacock and Scaglione have become known for. Stepping into their Portland shop, it’s easy to become immediately enveloped by the very qualities that make Abacus successful: warmth, a welcoming spirit, and a sense of familiarity.Įach Abacus Gallery location showcases a wide array of beautiful objects from around the country. Since the two partners opened their first Abacus Gallery nearly four decades ago (repeat: four decades!), it has evolved into a must-visit destination.

While there’s no shortage of stylish retail destinations in Maine, Abacus Gallery is one-stop shopping for fine American crafts.Ĭan two Rhode Island School of Design graduates with degrees in architecture and graphic design adapt to the fickle world of retail? Yes, if they happen to have the taste, talent, and style of Dana Heacock and Sal Scaglione. By Veronique Mcaree | Photgraphy Amanda Kowalsi

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