Owners say they hope to make gallery an inclusive space and community hub.
BAKERSVILLE — A new gallery, Sweetgrass Artisan Mercantile, opened in Bakersville on Wednesday, July 15.
Located at 23 Crimson Laurel Way, the gallery sells an array of original arts and crafts from local artisans including paintings, jewelry and woodwork.
Owners Melissa Andersen and Jessica Charapata both expressed their excitement for their endeavor to highlight the talent of artists and crafts-people in the region.
They both noted their intentions to make the space inclusive, rather than on an “art gallery pedestal.”
“We wanted to have this be a gallery for sure but we wanted it to be a more inclusive space,” Andersen said. “Galleries can be so exclusive and we just wanted to open up this channel to all kinds of creators.”
Charapata added her desire to make the space a hub for everyone in the community.
“I think ultimately we just want it to be a place for anyone who walks in here to find something,” Charapata said. “We just want to cultivate a community atmosphere.”
Andersen, who is also the owner of the building, said when she saw the building for sale, she knew she had to have it.
“I came inside and the energy of this place was just so captivating,” she said. “I knew we could create something really special here.”
Both women moved recently to Mitchell County from Florida — Charapata in 2018 and Andersen during the winter of last year. They met earlier this year and became friends very quickly.
“We became friends very fast and then became business partners very fast,” Andersen said. “I think it’s going to be a great experience doing this together.”
The gallery is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.