The New London Economic Development Commission last week honored two downtown New London businesses that have both been active parts of the city's vibrant arts community for 35 years.

At its meeting on Nov. 12, the commission recognized Studio 33 and Hygienic Art, Inc. for fostering economic growth in the city by being stable, community-focused and successful businesses.

"These two organizations have had a presence in New London for 35 years," Elaine Stattler, chair of the Economic Development Commission, said in a statement. "They enrich our culture, support the arts and provide a sense of community to our city."

Studio 33

Since opening its doors in 1979, Studio 33 has been a constant presence in downtown New London. Originally located in the Garde Arts Center block at 307 State St., the custom frame shop and art gallery moved to 243 State St. about 15 years later.

In 2008, owner Sara Munro - who began working at Studio 33 in 1983 - moved the business to its current 140 Bank St.

Despite the changes of venue, Studio 33's customers stayed loyal, something Munro credits to the range of services offered and the business's exemplary customer service.

"We create custom picture framing here in New London and do not sent work away to be done elsewhere," Munro said. "We see a great deal of repeat business because of our service. We offer a wide variety of frames, mats and glass to pick from - and we work within each customer's budget and timeframe."

In addition to helping customers create the perfect frame and mat combination, Studio 33 also highlights the work of many local artists at its Bank Street shop.

"There are so many talented artists in our area and we enjoy showcasing their work," she said.

Each summer, Munro and her husband host a group of instructors from the Missoula Children's Theatre during their visit to stage a production with children from New London. This month and next, Studio 33 will hold "Super Saturdays," during which guest artists will create items for customers before their eyes.

"We believe that a business should be connected to its community," she said. "That's why Studio 33 hosts special events and receptions that coordinate with such events as New London Main Street's spring and fall food strolls."

Hygienic Art, Inc.

Though the Hygienic is now synonymous with art in the Whaling City, its origins are rather humble. The building was built in 1842 to serve as crew quarters and a provision store for a whaling outfit, then it became a 24-hour restaurant in 1919.

In the late 1970s, a tight-knit group of artists working for the city through a federally-funded arts program decided to turn the Hygienic restaurant into an impromptu art gallery.

"All the artists knew the Hygienic because we ate there, so we decided to have the art show there and model it after the 'Salon des Independants,' an art movement in Paris in the late 19th century that gave rise to the Impressionist movement," Hygienic President A. Vincent Scarano said. "The motto was 'no judge, no jury, no fee, no censorship.'"

The first art show at the Hygienic featured about 50 pieces all over the spectrum from fine art to experimental, and attracted a diverse crowd.

"It was amazing who came out," Scarano said. "It was a great way to bring art to the 'common man,' people who weren't able to go to museums."

The Hygienic art show became an annual event that eventually attracted thousands of guests. But in 1985, the show had to find a new home. The Hygienic restaurant closed and was purchased by a developer who planned to raze the building and put a parking lot in its place.

"There was a huge demand by artists to make the festival happen every year," Scarano said, so the festival was held at Captain's Pizza and the El 'n' Gee.

In 1987, when the city wanted to assume control over the festival, Scarano and others officially incorporated as Hygienic Art, Inc. By 1993, the group gained official non-profit status.

In 1996, the Hygienic restaurant building was again slated for demolition, this time to make way for a bank parking lot with a drive-up ATM. With help from then-Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the state purchased the building and sold it to Hygienic Art, Inc. once the group raised enough money.

"We are proud that through the effort of our community, Hygienic Art stands as one of New London's foremost arts venues - featuring music and theater as well as visual arts," Scarano said.

c.young@theday.com

Twitter: @ColinAYoung