SOUTH PORTLAND — Knightville is experiencing another wave of new businesses, most of which are slated to open this spring and summer.

Black Hen Studio, a fine-art tattoo shop and gallery at 79 Ocean St., and the Ampersand Elements design studio and flower market at 81 Ocean St., will officially open their doors with an open house May 7 from 5-7 p.m.

Both businesses, between C and D streets, are the first of their kind in a neighborhood that has been developing rapidly in the last several years. 

Open houses will also be hosted that evening at clutch and wallet maker Alaina Marie and Mainly Labs Art Studio, both on the same block of Ocean Street.

Earlier this month, Julia and Craig Dilger announced their intention to turn an abandoned mechanic shop at 15 Ocean St. into a brewpub, and in March, Jen and Kevin Flock opened Flock & Vine, a bicycle, beer and wine shop, at 64 E. St.

Ampersand Elements, owned by Julie Hews, will provide personal consultations and fill custom requests for floral arrangements. 

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“We will help you articulate the vision, whether it is rustic and farm-inspired, vintage, simple and elegant, casual or outrageous,” according to the business website. 

Ampersand will also offer pop-up events around the community, and collaborate with local schools to teach gardening and offer workshops. 

Black Hen Studio, owned by Danielle Madore and Carrie-Anne Vinette, offers “custom fine art tattooing in a fun and unique environment,” according to their Facebook page. “We pride ourselves on collaborating with our clients to create beautiful one-of-a-kind designs.”

Also on May 7, an artist reception will be held at Cia Cafe, across the street from the new Ocean Street businesses, with area artists Carol Kainlor and Richard Sawyer. Music will be performed by the southern Maine-based Bluegrass band, Seagrass.

Alex Acquisto can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or aacquisto@theforecaster.net. Follow Alex on Twitter: @AcquistoA

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Erik Lomen paints Black Hen Studio’s window at 79 Ocean St. in South Portland. 


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