Deborah Moore, a resident for 30 of her 40 years, spent her maritime career on Atlantic-Richfield Co. oil tankers, rising to chief mate before coming ashore in 1990 to restore and operate The Inn at Chester. When I get an afternoon off, I'd rather go to Chester than anywhere else. I walk around, buy gifts, get an ice cream, be a tourist in my hometown. The scores of shops and galleries Moore and others enjoy occupy renovated downtown buildings. The galleries are close together and we coordinate our openings.
People walk from one to another.
Leif Nilsson's adjacent painting studio was one of the first in town. Like most galleries, the Nilssons also offer works in other media by other artists and craftsmen. Connecticut River Artisans, around the corner, offers varied works by its 15 members. You'll even find homemade seasoned vinegar among the teddy bears, quilts, pottery and contemporary crafts. You may notice the Richard D. Schofield Historic Lighting Co.'s work before you enter the triangular 1853 building by the bridge.