When a building talks to you, it’s not always haunted. Sometimes, it’s a sign to take a chance and let your talents and energy fly. That’s what happened to Sally Phillips, who opened Drinker of the Wind Studio in Turner yesterday. In the process, the artistic, horse-loving mother and grandmother has been both inspiring to others and inspired by them.

Name: Sally Phillips

Age: 65

Town of residence: Sumner

Just yesterday you opened Drinker of the Wind Studio in Turner, in the former Turner Trading Post building. What is Drinker of the Wind all about? 

It is a space that offers creative consignments and artisan workshops. Things people will find here include multimedia, jewelry, handcrafted furniture, homemade jams and jellies, chocolate and more.

Where did the name come from? Drinker of The Wind is the name of the Arabian horses whose breeding goes back to the desert. The inspiration of the name came from my Arab stallion Jet, my “main man” who was my four-legged friend on many “happy trail” rides. Jet, aka Chymanrus Hallam, was a purebred, black, 16-hand Arabian stallion. His pedigree traces back to the Arabians of the desert.

What inspired you to open such a place? The building itself beckoned to me. A “for sale” sign appeared one day, I called the realtor and when I walked into the building I could hear the word “possibilities” echoing around as I toured the building. . . . The building just spoke to me and needed new life. Its full of possibilities! . . . The space was wonderful and exciting. The workshop area lends itself to many creative projects. My thoughts and plans began to evolve from there. . . . I didn’t go into this with a business plan. I went into it because I love the space.

As of late I have been inspired by the fantastic energy of the evolving creations of local artists. I have the ability to provide a location for them to share their talents with everyone. I love the opportunity to learn, be supportive, as well as being supported.

You are an artist, but you’ve also done a lot of other jobs in your life. Which ones have been the most enjoyable?

I started a firewood business “Ms. Mauly Hatchet.” I did have a lot of fun in the woods! . . . When I was 45 I went to Oklahoma for horse shoeing school. Then moved back to New Hampshire with my daughter. I then rented a barn behind an equine hospital. We actually lived in the barn after some conversion of the stalls. We took care of 30-plus horses from all over the U.S. and Europe who were recovering from surgery. We had breading mares and foals to tend to too.

Your father was in the Air Force, so you lived all over the country and world. How did you end up in Maine?

My husband is a Vietnam vet from Maine and we . . . moved to Sumner, where we bought a horse farm.

Do you have a favorite of all the places you have lived? Yes, my father was in the Air Force and worked with various countries to restore their communication systems. So we traveled to Europe and lived in Norway, Germany and France. We never lived on base. We always lived out in the country. We met the people of the community and went to regular school.

You have worked in the arts. What do you do for art and will any of your creations end up in your studio? Yes they will. I do pen and ink, oils, acrylic and I repurpose furniture. 

What is your hope for Drinker of the Wind Studio — what will the future hopefully look like?

My plans for this building are always evolving. I have two large areas of consignment for artwork and a huge workshop area for those who might like to come and create or come to the supportive atmosphere. This is my retirement project and I am very EXCITED!

Drinker of the Wind is located at  55 Auburn Road (Route 4) in Turner. Contact number is 740-8485.