Maya Is Moving, Moving, Moving

Downtown celebrants may notice the absence of Maya III. The Jarvis Rockwell creation has been a major draw on Main Street since its creation two years ago as part of Downstreet Art.

Not worry. Jonathan Secor tells that the ever-changing piece with its hundreds of action figures is having a "respite" for a few months until a new home is fixed for it at 49 Main St. later this fall.

The relocation is the result of some movement of businesses along the main drag. Maya's location at 73 Main St. is being taken over by Janice Esoldi and the expansion of her chocolate empire. I've Got Goodies, which opened in the former Moulton's General Store, moved into 85 Main St. last year. Business has been good, Esoldi told us a couple weeks ago, and her shop needs more room.

Esoldi informed the Planning Board of her relocation at the last meeting and her plan is to have the new shop operating before the holidays arrive.

Meanwhile, the former Newberry's that was left vacant when Moulton's moved to Adams will have a new occupant with Shear Madness. Owner Kim Oakes said the salon needs more room and wants to stay on Main Street. She wasn't sure when the move would happen because of the work that needs to be done in the building. We have't seen anybody working in there yet so it could be awhile.

It isn't be the best time for Maya to move. Downstreet Art's "Last Thursday" gallery opening is tomorrow and the summerlong event doesn't end until Open Studios in October. The large installation is one of the most popular on the street, drawing hundreds of visitors on a weekend, said Secor.

It should be back up by the holidays but it has to wait for the Gallerie Haiti to complete its run in the space next to Gallery 51. The lack of space is a bit ironic, noted Secor. Art's been used to fill up the empty storefronts — which are now so full there's no place open for Maya.