The process of weaving thread into fabric and crafting it into towels is done entirely by hand in Hilary Crowell’s home studio located in Wiscasset. Submitted May 2023 photo

WISCASSET — Two local craftspeople showcase their passion for functional art in one storefront.

Eric McIntyre, proprietor and woodcarver at Village Handcraft, plans to host Hilary Crowell of The Cultivated Thread in the store’s working showroom from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, July 4-6, at 52 Water St.

Crowell weaves on a small floor loom and will be transporting it to the shop for a working demonstration during her three-day stay.

McIntyre and Crowell have a shared history of teaching and skill-sharing, having met as teachers several years ago. Both have launched new careers in the Maine crafting scene, creating robust, unique businesses that allow them to pass on their love for handcraft and connection. With their shared commitment to community and craft, McIntyre and Crowell’s collaboration is a natural fit, according to a news release from Crowell,

Eric McIntyre holds a finished kitchen broom in his store, Village Handcraft, on June 20 in Wiscasset.

Village Handcraft launched in 2021 as both a production hand tool workshop and a storefront. McIntyre is most known for his hand-bound brooms and carved spoons and bowls, though he loves to explore many types of hand work. Each item is crafted with locally-sourced wood right in the store and goes up for sale just 10 feet across the room. Visitors in the shop get to see the craft work in action and ask questions about tools, materials, and process.

The Cultivated Thread has become well known for its small-batch, high-quality towels since its founding in 2019. Handwoven in Crowell’s Wiscasset studio, yards of fabric are turned into thousands of towels, each created with daily use in mind. Using weave structures and fibers that will withstand the test of time, Crowell brings intentionality and care to all stages of the production process. Crowell is also known for her eagerness to collaborate with local makers and her active role in the Maine small business and farming communities.

Village Handcraft is a working storefront, so while McIntyre carves spoons and ties brooms, Crowell will be weaving. They will be available to answer questions about their individual crafts and practice. Visitors can purchase handwoven towels, rag rugs and table runners, as well hand-tied brooms, carved spoons, and other wooden vessels.

To learn more, visit villagehandcraft.com/weaver.

Check out other upcoming area events!