Northeast Harbor, Maine – Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business based on a fabulous trip or a mad passion? Come meet one of the founders of a glamorous Italian importing company – VIETRI – who has done just that.  The Kimball Shop is proud to announce that Frances Gravely, Founder of VIETRI, Inc., importer of Italian handcrafted tableware, lamps, garden and decorative accessories, will speak and sign pieces at a special VIETRI Founder Event on Thursday, August 5^th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and Friday, August 6^th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm  at 135 Main Street, Northeast Harbor, Maine.

VIETRI’s casual-yet-sophisticated Italian dinnerware introductions in 1984 played a key role in America’s popularity swing to more informal, yet fashion-conscious, entertaining of today.  VIETRI works with over 40 manufacturers throughout Italy. These manufacturers are involved in ceramics, wood, glass, stainless steel, pewter, textiles, and terra cotta. Many artisans come from multiple generations of skilled masters. All VIETRI designs are exclusive to VIETRI.

A connoisseur of Italian culture and tabletop style, Gravely, with her sister and mother, formed VIETRI in 1983 after a family trip to the Amalfi Coast, where they fell in love with colorful handpainted dinnerware at the famous San Pietro Hotel. Today VIETRI is the largest importer of exclusively Italian handcrafted products for the American tabletop and home decors market. With headquarters in NC and 100 sales representatives across the US and several other countries, VIETRI serves over 2,000 of the finest stores and boutiques in the US, Canada, England, Mexico, Europe, South America, Australia and Asia.

A symbol of trend-setting design and artistry, VIETRI’s products regularly appear in home, gourmet, fashion and style magazines, as the pick of editors for style and craftsmanship.  VIETRI products have been featured in Vogue, Oprah, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Weddings, Bon Appetit, Southern Living, Midwest Living, Country Home, House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Cooking with Paula Deen, Country Living, and Fine Cooking, among others.  VIETRI media appearances, along with color pictures of all products, can be found on www.vietri.com.

The Kimball Shop invites you to join the Italian celebration!  Gravely will recount the story of VIETRI’s beginnings, share Italian style and decorating ideas and sign purchases.

“My goal is to give shoppers ideas for adding spark, fun and fashion to their entertaining and decorating, with what they have at home – plus share some of my favorite style tips  from the Italians,” said Gravely. “I also love to sign purchases with Italian phrases that especially match the occasion.”

Come celebrate in the VIETRI tradition of All Things Italian!

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For more information, please contact Sue Spoelhof at (207)-276-3300, mgr@kimballshop.com

 at The Kimball Shop, 135 Main Street, PO Box 468, Northeast Harbor, ME  04662