PEARSON DESIGN STUDIO

The Ronald Hayes Pearson Design Studio is located at the north end of the island of Deer Isle, one of the most remarkable places in Maine. Not only does its environment seem to instill a fine sense of well being, but its beauty inspires all of us to indulge the creative spirit that dwells within, no matter how deeply buried. It is not difficult at all to understand why Deer Isle has become a permanent home to artists and those who would be.

Ron Pearson moved to the island in 1971 with his reputation already firmly established. After retrofitting space in the century-and-a-half structure, he set out to re-align his business to fit rural living and to provide training and livelihood for many area residents, a practice which continues today.

Currently there are three very accomplished metalsmiths working in the Studio - Larry Merrit, who has been producing studio work for over 38 years and whose knowledge is vast and critical to the Studio’s success, Richard Buxton, whose humor in addition to his immeasurable talent keeps everyone upbeat, and Eleanor Salazar, who joined the team in 2005 after working in a production studio in Hawaii (brave soul, moving to Maine but everyone is delighted that she did). Overseeing the Studio and Gallery and wholesale part is Carolyn Hecker, who moved to Maine in 1981 to become Ron’s partner in life (first) and business later.