STONINGTON, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) met with local artists and business owners in Stonington to discuss the impact of Maine’s art culture on the state’s economy. Senator King began his day at the OWL Furniture Studio. Owned by Geoffrey Warner, this store is known for its unique owl stools, which are focused on practical, durable designs. After OWL Studio, Senator King visited the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, which has operated for nearly 60 years. The school offers summer workshops in fields such as blacksmithing, clay, fibers, glass, metals and wood.

"It comes as no surprise that Maine’s rocky coast, pure oceans and quaint pathways through the woods inspire so many vibrant works of art,” Senator King said. “Our arts community bolsters Maine’s economy, accentuates the beauty of our state, and gives Maine people new, inspiring perspectives on the state they love so dearly – it’s a vital part of Maine life, and it was a pleasure to meet so many local artists today.”

Senator King is a longstanding supporter of the arts in Maine, and focused on the subject during the July 2017 edition of his Inside Maine podcast. On the episode, Senator King interviewed Julie Richard, Executive Director of the Maine Arts Commission, and Louise Rosen, Director of L/A Arts, a local arts agency that helps support and promote the arts in the Lewiston/Auburn region, about art culture in Maine and the impact of the art community on the Maine economy.