Poles Apart has gifts for all tastes

By Pamme Boutselis
NH Mirror Contributor

When corporate downsizing began to take its toll early in the new millennium, Marylee Martin decided she had worked hard enough for too many years in management for electronic companies, and it just might be the time to start working hard in her very own business.

(Courtesy Photo) Poles Apart artisan gallery in Derry sells unique crafts in several mediums, including metal, wood, clay, fiber, glass and mixed.

In October 2004, she opened Poles Apart, a gallery of fine contemporary American crafts, with the tagline “and everything in between.” Martin is often asked about the origin of the gallery’s name.

“I have tried to think of a neat story that goes with it, but there really isn’t one,” she said. “The name suggests that I carry a wide range of gifts.”

Located at 5 W. Broadway in downtown Derry, the gallery offers handmade wearables, jewelry, stoneware, glass, metal, clay, fiber and wood, along with many other fascinating finds, whether you’re in the market for yourself or for a special gift.

“I’ve always done most of my shopping in Portsmouth or Newburyport,” Martin said. “I felt there was a need for a unique gift shop in the Derry area.”

Prior to opening her shop, Martin attended a gift fair in San Francisco to find items not often found in this area. She soon found she was most attracted to the artisan items that were made in the United States, although her initial shopping trip did include some imports as well.

As her business continues to grow, Martin has found that each medium seems to become her favorite.

“In talking to various artists, they truly have a piece of their soul in their work,” she said. “In watching the glass blower, potter, metal or wood artist work their magic, it seems relatively easy but it took them years to perfect their craft, and I definitely have grown an appreciation for each.”

In fact, the support and appreciation her customers have shown for the American artist has been a very pleasant surprise for her as well in her business.

Martin lives in Derry with her husband, Tom, and Jesse, whom she calls the greatest golden retriever. She regularly updates her Web site, which presently showcases just a sampling of the beautiful items available at Poles Apart.

She will attend the Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia in February, and attends at least one show every year to keep current on new offerings available. Her gallery, which is 1,300 square feet, has new artists’ wares arriving constantly.

For more information, visit www.polesapartgifts.com.