Howard Park: Living A Charmed Existence

I first visited the in the Velvet Mill back in August and had the privilege of meeting all three partners, Howard Park, H. Grey Park and Sarah Seip. Immediately, three things struck me: the gorgeous well lit studio, how joyful all three seemed to be and what an idyllic space they’ve created for themselves and the community. 

I met with patriarch Howard Park while son Grey was painting and Sarah was assisting customers with custom framing needs. All three associates are accomplished painters but Park reminds me he is not just a painter, but an artist who has spent a lifetime creating.

A fifth generation Californian, Park grew familiar with the East Coast after his parents purchased a summer home in the 50's in Salem. Eventually, they moved to Old Lyme and Park attended the fine arts program at Tufts University. There he learned a broad spectrum of artistic training which later led to artistic pursuits such as jewelry making, photography, archival restoration, painting and building. It was in college that Park, also married his wife Rieta and became a father.

With an equal passion for art and maritime pursuits, Park joined the Merchant Marines.

“I was in the military sea lift command,” Park said. “We moved war material into the war zone and I was on a shuttle on the USNS Lafayette that went from the Philippines to Cam Ranh Bay in South Vietnam.”  

Park relocated to Noank where he lived for 20 years restoring cars, antique wooden boats and old houses. It’s clear that the process of transformation whether a house or a painting speaks to Park. 

Prior to opening Four Starr eight years ago, Park and Rieta took a hiatus and sailed around the world on what he called the coconut milk run.

“The kids moved out of the house, the dog died and I figured it was time to go,” Park said.

They left port in Stonington and sailed all around the world from the Caribbean and New Zealand to Fiji and South Africa. They visited dozens of destinations in between and although they hit the occasional heavy weather, the Parks had an exciting time, painting whenever possible.

Upon return, Park sold his boat and opened Four Starr Fine Art Conservation Framing with his son Grey and soon to be daughter-in-law Sarah.

Together, the conservation and framing team produces signature techniques and flawless work, which keeps customers from afar coming back. With over 4,000 frame samples, Park and company have developed their business to offer additional services such as document conservation, archival preservation, and appraisals.

The gallery space is Four Starr’s hidden gem and is filled with seasonal collections of sophisticated paintings including works by the owners.

“Aside from giving back to the community through donations, we also give through the exhibitions we have,” Park said. ”We pool in a diverse group of people to get exposure to artists all over the world.”

Park hopes their business makes a difference saying without framing the community wouldn't have art and stresses what we put on our walls defines us.

I watched customers exit, they said goodbye to Sarah with a casual, comfortable and satisfied demeanor—an extension of the threesome's collective attitude.  

“We love it, we have a dream job,” Park said. “We’re not making a living off our art but we are using art to make a living.”