Keene’s oldest and largest furniture store fills a city block in Downtown Keene. As owner Jay Croteau (fourth generation) points out, “We are the only address on St. James Street.”

Inside are enormous rooms displaying mattresses plus multiple rooms of couches. There are rows and rows of cushy recliners and three very special rooms lined with beautiful art by local artists.

Syd’s ownership opened its arms to the Monadnock Area Artists Association (MAAA) many years ago and has recently recommitted to the “fine art and furniture” collaboration concept. Ruth Sterling, MAAA President explains, “In this setting, you can imagine your own dream space with furnishings and art—comfort, beauty and joy.”

The theme of the next Exhibit Opening at the MAAA Art Gallery at Syd’s is simply “Comfort & Joy.” Twenty-five-plus artists are showcasing recent works including local notables Mary Iselin, Jim Laurier, Kris Stewart and Jeanne Maguire Thieme. MAAA currently has about 125 member artists and each is invited to participate. The resulting show is an array ranging from renowned artists whose paintings fetch thousands of dollars to artists offering reproductions for less than $100.