By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — At the annual Arts and Crafts festival in Caribou this past fall, 11-year entrepreneur Sandy Marrett of Caribou was amazed at all the talent she saw displayed before her and decided then that she was going to open her shop; 30 days later, Marrett opened “Works of Heart” at 1 Water Street in Caribou.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Sandy Marrett of Caribou, an entrepreneur of 11 years, opened her new shop “Works of Heart” in the second-oldest building in Caribou located at 1 Water Street.
The store features a wide selection of works from local artisans in incredibly diverse genres, from forged iron works to fabric plates and leather goods. And with a selection that includes the most delicate paper ornaments to solid rustic cabinetry, there is quite literally something for everybody at Works of Heart, and all of it made right here in the county.
Marrett’s shop is also the exclusive sales point of popular crafting group Kindred Spirits, which includes the works of Brenda Sirois, Allyson Masse and Denise Green. Works of art from almost 30 Aroostook artisans stock the shelves of Marrett’s store, and the shelves themselves are pretty crafty as Marrett’s husband, Dave, built using antique wood stored in the building’s basement.
While you never know what you’ll find at Works of Heart, you’re guaranteed to find unique rustic items and primitive/country home décor at lower than expected prices.
“Because all the items are made from local artists, Works of Heart can offer them at a very reasonable price,” Marrett explained. “Very rarely do people leave without buying anything.”
Customers have certainly liked what they’ve seen over the past month at the shop to the extent that Marrett had to ask her suppliers for more items. Artisans like Heidi O’Clair of Easton and Katharine Schieber of Limestone have put extra time in their creative fields to help Marrett keep the store filled with new items, and because customers quickly pick up the works of art, there are always new items at the store.
With artisans from Ashland, Presque Isle, Caribou and beyond, Works of Heart is almost like an art gallery featuring the finest pieces Aroostook County has to offer.
“We’re getting new items in every single day, and people love it because there’s something here for everyone,” Marrett said. Marrett even brews up free Starbucks coffee for customers to sip on while they shop.
Works of Heart is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. until after the holidays, when the store will close at 6 p.m. every day.
The shop can be reached by calling 492-0860.
