The Dromore Grange
Emma Sampson and Andrew Xenos have brought life to a historic grange hall in Phippsburg, Maine that dates back to 1889. They’ve established their roots in Midcoast Maine, creating a warm and welcoming space that lifts artists and makers up—while providing a sense of community to locals and visitors alike.
Emma and Andrew in their second floor living space with their two rescue dogs, Squid and Honeybee. Photo Credit: Jamie Mercurio Photography.
Hey everyone! Abby here. I wanted to write this feature as a way to showcase and honestly just brag about the creative community that my two longtime friends have created in Phippsburg. I met Emma and Andrew when we were all students at Maine College of Art & Design. Emma and I were both transfers, and she was one of the very first people I immediately connected with. Andrew and I were housemates at one point, and I’ve been a big fan of his jewelry for years. A few years ago, they moved back to Maine to transform a historical building into a creative networking space for the artists of Midcoast Maine and beyond.
When visiting the Dromore Grange, there’s a certain feeling you get the moment you step foot in the door. The entrance features a gorgeous mid-century modern table, set with ceramic and wood platters, screen printed dish towels, and an array of thoughtful, handmade gifts. In the winter months, the wood stove is probably roaring—and in June, Emma’s made-to-order pies might be cooling on the counter. Antique chests with thoughtfully-curated goods are tucked into in every corner of this creative, light-filled space.
Previously a 3-season building, Emma and Andrew restored the grange hall into a live/work space in 2021 with the help of friends and family. Both working artists, Andrew runs his jewelry studio, Xenos Works and Emma runs her fine art print business, Paper Tides within the gallery/retail/dining space. They sell goods from an array of independent artists and open their shop to the public for retail, events, and workshops.
Built in 1889
Renovated in 2021
“The grange hall was built in 1889 as a place for farmers to gather and share knowledge and tools of the trade. Throughout the years, it became more of a community space where theater was performed, baked goods were sold, and townspeople gathered. It would often stand abandoned at times or in recent years change its purpose to become a church, and finally a concert hall".” —DGH
Photo Credit: Phippsburg Historical Society
Andrew's coastal inspired, heirloom jewelry compliments the building's history and natural beauty of the Phippsburg coast. Walking through his studio, you’re surrounded by nautical and nature-inspired objects that seem to have a history of their own—sea charts, crustacean watercolors and biological studies, barnacles clinging to rocks, all of which have clearly been an inspiration in his work.
“Barnacles build their homes of calcium carbonate to withstand drastic changes in temperature, humidity and physical agitation. I create the Crustacea Cirripedia series in order to pay homage to their solidarity and to draw strength from their sheer will to live in the face of all odds. Every piece is first hand carved in wax and then cast in metal. By hand carving the barnacles I am able to control the exact details and shapes that make the most realistic looking and wearable barnacle jewelry.” — Xenos Works
Andrew has recently started offering workshops, creates custom engagement pieces for clients, and can often be found at maker’s markets slinging his unique wares, which are also sold online. The barnacle ear climbers are my personal favorite.
Emma’s background in photography and archival printing is built on the idea that fine art printing services deserve a personalized approach. “The sharing of information + ideas is how creativity flourishes. Through years of learning from others in the industry, I have been able to grow into what Paper Tides is today.” — Paper Tides
Paper Tides is an educational studio that provides invaluable expertise to clients—regardless of their familiarity with the fine art printing process. Emma is an incredible partner for photographers, designers, artists, and creatives seeking museum quality reproductions of their work. In addition to fine art printing services, Emma offers consultation, fulfillment, website design, exhibition design assistance and more. Workshops are on the horizon as well.
Paper Tide’s Instagram gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at just how much goes into the printing process. Emma pours her expertise into every single project, and it shows. She’s currently trusted by creatives like Tight Loops, Two Fern, and many other fine artists who understand the importance of working with a trusted collaborator like Emma in their corner.
Grange After Hours started in May and will continue for every last Friday of the month for the summer. The duo opens their space to the public, giving people an opportunity to connect with featured artists and their work. On June 5th, Paper Tides and Northeast Photographic (also in Phippsburg) teamed up to host Pints + Prints at the grange hall—an opportunity for artists to show their recent print work, network with other photographers, and drink pints :)
We’re thrilled that this creative hub exists and we can’t wait to see what this creative duo gets up to next!
Post photography by Jamie Mercurio Photography (+ a few photos from the Dromore Grange).