Amy Putansu

Amy Putansu is a native of the nearby fishing village of Spruce Head, growing up in the neighborhood of Clark Island. Amy attended local public schools then received a BFA in textile design with a focus in woven cloth from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1995.

 

After spending some time working in her field on the west coast, Amy returned to mid-coast Maine to pursue her own creative business, Putansu Textiles. For over seven years, Amy produced high-end woven accessories and garments for a national market. The product was made in Thomaston and hand woven from natural materials. Notable achievements include a feature segment on the Martha Stewart Living television program in 2002 and, also in 2002, the acquisition of one of Amy's original woven fabrics by the Smithsonian Museum of Art's Renwick Gallery.

 

In 2005, Amy made the tough decision to close Putansu Textiles and pursue outside work. The Island Institute store, Archipelago, was a perfect match, and Amy began the position of buyer/merchandiser in April 2005. Six months later, Amy moved into the position of store manager. Amy continues her weaving background by teaching one- to two-week workshops nationally at craft centers such as Penland and Peter's Valley.