Maija Riikone’s dream came true when Mai-Art opened its doors on the third day of February 1978. Lappeenranta’s first art shop was born.
After a few months, the product range expanded to include artists’ supplies and a framing service.
Towards the end of 1979, Cafe Galleria was also established, which hosted art exhibitions and coffee concerts on Sundays.
The following year, Mai-Art was opened in Kouvola, in Pohjolantori. Later, the Kouvola shop was sold to the then store manager. Cafe Galleria also changed hands…
Mai-Art moved to the IsoKristiina shopping centre after it opened in August 1987. The product range was expanded to include craft and porcelain painting accessories. Mai-Hobby was born, which also moved to IsoKristiina and opened its doors in March 1990.
After a few years, Mai-Hobby was sold and Mai-Art focused on selling art and artists’ supplies, as well as an expert framing service. (The entire staff has a professional qualification in art framing).
In April 2002, Mai-Art moved into its new and magnificent premises in the central corridor of IsoKristina.
At the same time, the product range was extended with “Antigue Look” furniture, handcrafted in India from recycled materials.
Mai-Art operated in these premises until the renovation of IsoKristina.
In June 2013, a new location was found in Valtakatu, where the business continues… Less