Skimobile rides again in vintage-style poster [11/15/2006]

The famous skimobile that swept countless skiers up Mount Cranmore from 1938 to 1988 has been brought back to life in a beautiful new ski poster.Created in the vintage style, this third in a series of local ski posters features the work of local artist Dianne Mello. Initially, the focus is a glamorous woman standing on the skimobile, but it doesnt take long for the viewers eye to discover the summit of Mount Washington standing guard in the background.Inspiration came from a photograph of Connie Davis Watson stylishly enjoying a lift up Mount Cranmore. Mrs. Davis-Watson was a well respected glamorous and sophisticated business woman since the 1940s.This is the sixth local print published by Salvatore Michaels Framed Art Superstore. Co-owner Sal Martignetti says, In my opinion, this is the most exciting print weve published so far because it has a more authentic local connection.Like most good ideas, this one started with customers. Salvatore Michaels Framed Art Superstore patrons had been asking for vintage ski posters for years, but were disappointed to find that most vintage ski posters were from other areas or even other countries. The local craze started in the winter of 2004-2005 with the release of Ski Girl (North Conway). and then Ski Guy (SKI NH) in the winter of 2005-2006. Now, with the Ski Cranmore poster, the valley has a collection of its own to enjoy."The Framed Art store continues to offer the few available older New Hampshire posters and European posters as well, but most people prefer local prints," Martignetti said.Martignetti and partner Michael Kline both want to express credit where it belongs to the real creators.A great deal of thanks and credit goes to Dianne Mello who produced the original art work for all three vintage posters, and to Sean and Jami McFeeley of the Framed Art Superstore who worked tirelessly in producing the final product," they said. "None of this would have been possible without them."The poster is available for $20, or $79.99 framed and ready to hang at the Framed Art Superstore, the Met and, of course, Mount Cranmore. The Framed Art Superstore also offers a signed and numbered limited edition of 20 prints on canvas ($129.99), which is expected to sell out quickly, as did the prior two.The Framed Art Superstore is located in the bright yellow mall on Route 16 North Conway next to Bellinis restaurant. For more information, call (603) 356-8278 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day.