The museum's interior. — Photo courtesy of Ogunquit Museum of American Art

The Ogunquit Museum gift shop has long been a favorite destination for museum members and locals seeking the best offerings of local artisans. Ogunquit and nearby south Maine coastal towns have been a draw for artists of all types – from sculptors to basket weavers and painters – for generations. Today, some of the best efforts of modern artists can be found at the Ogunquit Museum’s gift shop.

Here you can find everything from delicately fashioned beach glass jewelry to intricately woven reed baskets, prints, lamps and children’s books. New vendors featured at the gift shop this year include cross stitch kits of Maine scenes by Karen Martel, hand painted silk scarves by Jude Valentine, hand crafted jewelry by Birch Bark Maine and Deirdre Donchian, and artist cards by Kathleen Perelka.

Birch Bark Jewelry now available at the Ogunquit Musem gift shop. — Photo courtesy of Birch Bark Jewelry of Maine

The gift shop has also added substantially to its coasters, magnets and mugs featuring images from the museum’s collection (one of the finest highlighting classic Maine artists). It has also expanded its Children’s Corner to include more books by local authors and illustrators. Prices are very reasonable for this choice merchandise with many shoppers coming away with very attractive bargains.

So the next time you are touring the museum’s exhibitions, including strolling its stunningly scenic grounds and sculpture garden overlooking the Atlantic ocean, be sure to leave some time for a leisurely browse through its gift shop. Both the museum and the gift shop open for the 2012 season on May 1.