There's a heartfelt tradition that's been taking place at Nantucket Looms for the past 57 years—one that few people outside our walls ever see, yet one that has come to define how we work with the artists we represent.
Each morning, between 9 and 10 a.m., before the shop opens to the public, we listen for a soft knock at the front door. More often than not, it's an artist standing patiently outside, arms full of carefully bundled packages—paintings, carvings, sailor's valentines, bird decoys, photographs—all wrapped in layers of bubble wrap and cardboard. The bell above the door jingles as we let them in and exchange warm greetings. This isn't just a drop-off; it's a ritual.
These artists come in person to present their latest work. This tradition began with our founder, Bill Euler, and was carried on by Liz Winship, who welcomed artists at the door for over 40 years. One of Liz's favorite stories was about embroidery artist Susan Boardman. Susan arrived with her first piece, completely terrified of being turned away. But much to her surprise, Liz accepted the work on the spot– and sold it that very afternoon. If you're familiar with Susan's work today, you know how rare it is to come by. To call that moment a success story is probably the biggest understatement.
Today, our shop manager, Thayer Hale, carries on the tradition. Thayer, who comes from a family of devoted collectors, brings a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and is always excited to see what each artist will bring through the door.
"It's such an honor to be part of the curation team, and to be trusted by the artists to represent and care for their work. Our mornings are filled with conversation and laughter as we catch up and see what everyone has been working on—hearing stories of inspiration, of painting in plein air, or getting updates on children and grandchildren. So much of the art we receive is fresh out of the studio and has yet to be named, so the artist will often ask for our help, much to our amusement. I consider myself very lucky to start my day surrounded by art and collaborating with its creators." —Thayer Hale
One by one, each piece is unwrapped with care. There's a moment of anticipation, a mix of pride and vulnerability. If the work feels like the right fit for the shop, we agree to take it on consignment.
In an age of digital submissions, emails, and JPEG attachments, this process may seem old-fashioned. But it's this very exchange—face-to-face, with the work in hand—that makes our artist relationships so meaningful. Nearly all the artwork in our shop has arrived this way, not just as a product, but as a story waiting to be shared.
These moments offer more than a preview of new work, they open a window into the artists' lives. We learn what inspired their latest creations, the challenges they've faced, and what they're excited about next. Over time, these visits build real friendships. We not only know their work, we know their stories, and that connection makes all the difference when we share those pieces with our customers.
As opening time draws nearer, we begin placing their new artwork onto shelves and tables, preparing the shop for the day ahead. Then we hear the church bell toll 10, signaling that it's time to open the doors and welcome our customers in.
This tradition may unfold before most people ever step inside, but to us, it sits at the very heart of what makes Nantucket Looms so special. It's not just about selling beautiful things, it's about honoring the island's community of creativity, one morning at a time.
