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| Local Gallery Turns Over a NewLeaf The owner of the former Harpswell Schoolhouse Gallery started the summer season by turning over a new leaf—literally. On June 14, Deborah Goebel opened NewLeaf Designs Studio and Gallery at the old schoolhouse on Route 123, her home and workplace. The change of name reflects a new direction for Goebel and her gallery. “We needed to simplify,” she says. “Now the whole focus has shifted.” She feels that the smaller space and new hours by appointment afford a more personal, intimate gallery experience.The eclectic mix of handcrafts and artwork that previously characterized her gallery has been replaced by displays reminiscent of a “European candy shop.” Aside from a bridal line of fine handwovens by Jones Limited, NewLeaf Designs Gallery features only Goebel's work. |
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Goebel, a Pratt Institute-educated designer, is perhaps best-known for her handpainted ornament collections. The original ornaments created by her company, Nature’s Kinship, have been featured in shops across the country for the past 15 years; her clients include Mount Vernon, Winterthur Museum, and The Smithsonian. Large bowls and vases of Goebel’s garden-inspired ornaments line the shelves of the new Gallery, alternating with her most recent passion: vintage and handmade beads. Jewelry Designs by Deborah E. Goebel combine glass beads of every color, size and shape with freshwater pearls, velvet cording, and French ribbon for a new, contemporary look. “They transcend the predictable,” she says. |
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| This same shift away from the predictable moved Goebel to start NewLeaf Designs last year as a resource for unique, handcrafted wedding accessories and favors. “Not every bride wants chocolates or bubbles,” she notes. The new appointment hours at NewLeaf Designs Gallery give Goebel the opportunity to work with brides-to-be in selecting pieces for their weddings, including keepsake wedding favors. Brides choose from existing ornament designs and Goebel can incorporate custom colors and gift tags to make their favors one-of-a-kind. “We create works of art that the wedding couple can share with their guests,” she explains. She has also found that her jewelry designs make appropriate gifts for brides or their mothers or attendants. When designing jewelry with handmade and vintage beads, Goebel says, “I collaborate with people I’ll never meet, across cultures and through time. This quality of my work brings special meaning to a bridal piece.” |
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Goebel notes that she will follow a seasonal schedule, and that in addition to appointment hours, she’ll be open “by chance” throughout the summer. For more information or to set up an appointment, please call (207) 729-8872 or visit NewLeaf Designs Gallery on the web at www.newleaf-designs.com/gallery. ©2002 midcoastbusiness.com |
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