The Journey

“The pinecone symbolises endurance, strength and hope. As a seed, I think it can encourage possibilities, foster new relationships and share fresh ideas”
— Val Upham

At the Root

It was in early Fall 1997 that I walked across a parking lot covered in pinecones. I admired the patterns and shadows they made in the afternoon sun. I was about to meet one of my design clients and thought it would be a nice gesture to bring the outdoors into the meeting, a pinecone.

Attending the meeting was a man, Michael Gauthier. He eventually became my husband. He explained to me that he interpreted the “pinecone” to mean more than I had intended. He thought it represented the growing collaboration between our companies. And… well, he liked me.

The pinecone symbolizes many things to different people. The meaning that I carry is that wonderful moments, ideas and exciting adventures grow once it is planted.

In honor of my husband,
welcome to Pinecone Studio where ideas grow.

A snow-covered metal sign with a pine cone decoration at the center, displaying the word 'CONIFER' in a circular border, in a winter forest scene.

The Heart

It has been my dream to offer collaborative, creative and educational experiences to developing talent; to be a resource which supports all creative thinkers and their process of bringing ideas to life.

Pinecone Studio is a collective experience built on gathering ideas, applying skills, sharing knowledge, developing creative vision and supporting Maine communities. Programs and events promote exploration and build active networks.

You are invited to come out from your studio and away from your desk to meet, to learn and to connect.

Pinecone Studio; where nurturing creative thoughts can inspire.

Creative connection for everyday life.


EXPLORE, DISCOVER, INSPIRE

Pinecone Studio

Our Team

  • A smiling woman with glasses and shoulder-length hair outdoors in front of a historic building, wearing a colorful floral shirt and a beaded necklace.

    Valerie Upham

    FOUNDER

    OF PINECONE STUDIO & UPHAM DESIGN

    Skills: Visualize; dream; build; and create.

    Creative Inspiration: Waking each morning to the possibilities and opportunities offered from all that surrounds us.

  • Woman holding a camera on a rocky beach with ocean waves in the background.

    Julia Marlett

    BOARD MEMBER/TREASURER

    Skills: Bookkeeping, Excel, office organizations.

    Creative Inspiration: A drive with no place to be with all the possibilities for new photos.

  • A middle-aged woman with shoulder-length gray hair smiling while wrapping a patterned black and gray scarf around her shoulders in a cozy, indoor setting.

    Lynn Murphy

    BOARD MEMBER

    Skills: Strategic planning and development

    Creative Inspiration: Believing in a greater purpose

  • John Wright

    John Wright

    COLLABORATOR

    Skills: All sorts of carpentry; woodworking and repurposing found objects, including wood assemblage, problem solving, and picture framing.

    Creative Inspiration: Revealing the energy found within wood.

  • A man with dark hair and a beard sitting on a park bench, wearing a pink plaid blazer, white shirt, and white pants, outdoors with a blurred green forest background.

    Nate Winter

    INSTRUCTOR

    Skills: fostering community; visual & performing arts; team leadership. 

    Creative Inspiration: I believe in interdisciplinary creativity where each medium informs the next. 

  • Ben Borgers

    Ben Borgers

    COLLABORATOR

    Skills: Web development; technology.

    Creative Inspiration: Seeing the possibilities through others’ work.

  • A young woman taking a selfie near the rocky shoreline with the ocean and islands in the background.

    Kayla-Marie Cohen

    COLLABORATOR

    Skills:  Visual arts, graphic design, digital support, problem solving

    Creative Inspiration: Spreading joy to those around me and using visual art as an outlet for creative expression.

  • Two cats, one black and one tabby, sit on a blue pet bed looking out a window.

    Ollie & Bella

    RESIDENT CATS

    Skills: Purring and sleeping

    Creative Inspiration: Sunlight, treats and watching birds through the window

3 Cranberry Drive,
Brunswick, ME 04011

Directions

Hours
Monday – Friday
10 – 5pm

Phone
207-240-8619