Sweetgrass Artisan Mercantile gives new life to a Bakersville building with lots of history. The Blevins Building was built in the 1920s and, before its current use, served as a grain warehouse, silent movie theater, billiards hall, bowling alley, and general store. Signs of these past lives still linger on the walls. This is a fitting heritage for a building that now offers craft from more than 50 local and regional artists.
Melissa Andersen and Jessica Charapata started Sweetgrass Artisan Mercantile in 2020. Both were drawn to the area for its beauty and creativity. They take pride in giving an outlet to artists, especially new artists, and curating a space in which the craft and the building blend together.
When first walking in, visitors can find a sitting area with a woodstove for the winter months. Those visitors to Sweetgrass Artisan Mercantile can also explore two floors of gallery space and a wide range of craft to choose from. Work on display includes pottery, fine art, wood crafts, furniture, jewelry, textiles, candles, soap, metal work, bead work, and more.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 12-5 pm, April-December.
