44 | theburgnews.com | 12.19
I
f you're driving down Pomfret Street in Carlisle,
Pat Craig's business is hard to miss.
e striking blue building, with the black
shutters, bay window, purple door and orange
sign identifying it as "Pat Craig Studios," stands out
among the neighborhood shops, beckoning visitors
to take notice.
And there's always a quirky, sometimes seasonal,
street tableau to seal the deal. is Halloween,
Craig featured a jumble of jack-o'-lanterns scattered
around a purple mannequin sporting a mirrored
mosaic dress and a sky-high headpiece crafted of
flowers and greenery. Inside her shop are additional
items carefully chosen to elicit a smile or an "aha."
Her latest creative project is located right next door.
at endeavor, called "e Penny Gallery at e
Pond," is an homage to her former neighbor who
lived there previously.
"We asked her for first consideration should she
age out of the house," said Craig.
As to the name—a pond supports a vast collection
of organisms, Craig explained, a perfect moniker for
a place meant to nourish and encourage an array of
artists and their work.
somethIng unusuAL
e area comprising West Pomfret and South
Hanover streets has been dubbed the "So-Hi
Arts District" for its collection of boutique shops,
galleries, dining and entertainment. e fact that the
Carlisle Arts Learning Center is within steps of the
Penny Gallery at the Pond was icing on the cake
for Craig when she made the decision to create a
business that would integrate seamlessly into the
neighborhood.
e project started in 2017 with an extensive
renovation to transform the former residence into a
gallery for artists to show their work.
in FoR
a penny,
in FoR
a ponD
New gallery is designed to
help foster Carlisle's growing
arts community.
bY stePhAnIe KALInA-metZger
Pat Craig
Kirsten Olson
