AVON – Crafters, artisans, entrepreneurs who want to explore turning their hobbies into businesses are invited to a presentation Sunday at the Opportunity Center of North Franklin County.

Maine Crafts Association representative Lynn Thompson will explain at 1 p.m. what the association does and how it can help people advance, said Lauri Sibulkin of the Opportunity Center.

The Opportunity Center exists to encourage and aid local people in their efforts to reach self-sufficiency, he said.

“We don’t do their work or form their company,” he said, “but if anyone says I could turn my hobby into a business … that’s what we’re here for.”

While believing there are many able and gifted people in western Maine who can create beautiful and saleable things, he realizes they may lack some part of the package.

One may not have Internet ability or know how to sell themselves and their products, or how to get their creation to a potential buyer, he said.

Sibulkin, who builds furniture for fun as well as to augment his income, said with recent economic events it may not be just a hobby but a necessity.

A metal worker in Avon sells his “stupendous pot racks” for $5 at the local store but knows he could make $150 at the right craft show, but doesn’t know how to sell.

Others knit wool socks for $10 but don’t have the connections to move beyond a local market.

By inviting the Maine Crafts Association, the Opportunity Center has found a group with connections.

“Perhaps the association can help a small group of us create a coop,” he said, “or steer some of us to a seminar on sales and Internet marketing. Perhaps this larger association can take some of us in as members, and let us use their already existing sales network,” he said. “I don’t know what to expect from this presentation. I believe that each listener will take from it that part which best suits his or her needs.”

Time will also be available to ask questions, he said.

Anyone interested in turning their creative talents into full or part-time employment is welcome to attend with their questions and ideas, he said.