Aug 8, 2009

Local shop sparkles with summer treasuresBy M.E. JonesNashobaPublishing.com

On a gray morning that promised rain, the front door of the noa gift shop was wide open and the interior sparkled with bright summer ambiance.

Shoppers from Harvard and many other surrounding towns visit to view the inventory of jewelry, fine handcrafts and gifts which include the work of over 200 local artists and craftsmen.

Window displays in this Groton shop were inviting teasers. On one side, Betty Boop beckoned. The plastic replica of the classic cartoon character came from Johnson’s Drive-in Restaurant.

In the other window, a big ceramic pot with embedded seashells caught the eye, the creation of a Pepperell artist whose distinctive work also turned up in the shop.

Inside, the eclectic array included vases in varied shapes and sizes, a selection of slinky silk scarves, wire-wrapped glass earrings, stone pendants, quirky art-deco bracelets, a mosaic chessboard, even furniture and a gleaming group of sea star sun-catchers.

When the shop opened here several years ago, owners Barbara and Ian Scofidio had relocated from former digs up the street, where the original NOA gallery still operates under the same name.

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