In this special episode of Radio Maine, Dr. Lisa Belisle sits down with her husband, Kevin Thomas—owner of the Portland Art Gallery—for a candid conversation about his unlikely path from a farming family in northern Maine to distribution company CEO to gallery owner in Portland’s Old Port. Kevin shares how his lifelong appreciation for creativity began through curiosity—spending spare time in high school hanging around the drafting and graphic design rooms, drawn to the tools and ideas of visual expression. Those early interests led to Friday night gallery visits in Northampton, Massachusetts—long before he could afford original art. He reflects on lessons in business and entrepreneurship learned along the way, his return to Maine, and how immersing himself in the work of Maine artists ultimately led to the creation of a physical gallery that blends his love of art, his connection to Maine’s creative community, and his business acumen. Together, Kevin and Lisa explore the Portland Art Gallery’s monthly First Thursday openings, the importance of community, and the joy of connecting collectors with meaningful work. Kevin shares his appreciation for being in a business where everyone leaves with a smile—where buying art is not just a transaction, but a genuinely positive experience for everyone involved. They also discuss how art continues to inspire families across generations—including their own children and grandchildren. This conversation highlights the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and family—revealing why art is more than something you hang on a wall. Art helps make our homes into refuges—places of peace, beauty, and meaning—and contributes to a truly beautiful life. It’s a way of living that celebrates creativity in all its forms.