Married for 14 years, Michael and Brenda Ellis Sauro came to Maine from East Sandwich, Mass., in 2002 in search of a large barn for artistic projects. After buying a Briggs Avenue antique shop in Paris, they opened the Painted Mermaid Gallery in 2005. As the name suggests, Brenda’s work includes a wide variety of mermaid paintings, as well as portraits and illustrations. Michael, who also works as a carpenter, focuses on metal sculptures. On Aug. 15, the couple opened the Artful Hands Fiber Studio near the gallery.

How did you get into artwork?

Mike: I always have had creativity in me, but my wife encouraged me to follow my heart.

Brenda: I have had an interest in art since early childhood, actually all my life!

What inspirations have you drawn in your work?

Mike: The inspiration is in the metal. I never know what I’m going to create until I find a piece of metal and it tells me what it wants to be.

Brenda: My inspiration comes from people and their surroundings.

What do you feel is the strangest work you’ve done?

Mike: All my work has a strange quality to it; if it wasn’t strange, it wouldn’t be mine!

Brenda: Define strange! I guess mermaids seem strange to some people, but then I love fantasy mixed with reality.

Does your work ever overlap?

Both: Our artwork overlaps with our collaboration mentally and emotionally, but in different media.

How long does it take to complete a piece?

Mike: Sometimes I will find a piece of metal and save it for 20 years, other times I can’t get home fast enough with a found piece to start creating a sculpture!

Brenda: It depends on the subject matter, it could be a two-hour painting from life or an idea that evolves on my canvas up to a year! I just finished illustrating a children’s book for Patricia Probert Gott that took me seven months to complete, so it varies all the time.

What is the best compliment you’ve had on a piece?

Mike: My best compliment is the smiles, just a glimpse of my sculptures can put a smile on a face of any age!

Brenda: My best compliment was when a viewer of one of my portraits, “Longing,” wrote a poem about my painting on his gallery guide and left it for me. I accomplished an emotional connection with my audience. It makes it so worthwhile!

Why did you decide to open the fiber arts studio?

Brenda: I had the opportunity to learn and teach rug hooking for Connie Fletcher of Seven Gables Rug Hooking last year. I love the idea of painting with wool; the textures and colors inspire me and our students! The Artful Hands Fiber Studio is a place where the fiber arts can be created and supplies offered by Seven Gables Rug Hooking.

What are your plans for the future?

Both: We continue to support local art and contribute to promote the art community.