Brimming With Local Art

Even amidst major renovations and reconstruction, the feeling of home is undeniable the moment you walk into Farmstead Mercantile, the new iteration of long-beloved Bradford Mercantile. Immediately the smell of warm apples, fresh wood and vanilla are recognizable and a country-shopping haven is before you. Located in Warren’s historic Bowen-Haile-Nunes barn, the property includes the oldest house in Warren, a sloping lawn and a large shade tree. The newly renamed and revamped shop maintains the charm of the original store, selling antiques, art, candles, ornaments, seasonal items, soaps, lotions and interior decor such as lighting and furniture. There is plenty to browse and even more you’ll want to take home.

Terry Stone began Bradford Mercantile in late 2006 and is now moving forward with the shared vision of her son Jonathan, as they finish the second floor of their space. The idea is to mix the individual artistry and collector antiques that will be coming into the top floor and combine it with the country feel in the rest of the barn to have the two ideas support and drive each other forward. It is going to be a really distinct experience where one can see a little bit of everything that makes a farmstead special. Jonathan says, “Bradford Mercantile was always a family business but my mother’s vision. Farmstead is an outlet for my small business passion but also an opportunity to celebrate the art and antiques culture of Warren and the rest of Rhode Island.”

The first floor will remain mostly the same, with a few exciting new items (Terry says she can not wait for her new tractor stools). It is the perfect place to shop for the home or for a unique gift, as the inventory covers a wide range of passions: beach, nature, country and more. The second floor will flow seamlessly from the first but will be a space for artists to sell their work. So far, there is a mix of photography, watercolor and oil artists on board for the new section, in addition to those working in other mediums. Jonathan explains: “Richard Kaiser, from Warren, who is an award-winning painter, also does chainsaw sculpture; he plans on doing a demonstration out on the front lawn soon. Butch Lombardi is a photographer whose images are frequently featured in Yankee Magazine. We also will have several limited-edition prints from New Jersey painter Jerry Cable whose subject matter includes Maine and country landscapes.”

Along with the new setup comes the idea to have a full and exciting events schedule starting in September with a Harvest Open House for people to come explore and enjoy the new space. The large upstairs will lend itself well to not only showcasing artwork and antiques but as aspecial space for events. Says Jonathan of the opening, “Each floor will have its own unique character but the influence of the farmstead will be felt throughout. Once inside, the shop is open and airy. The first floor is the ‘mercantile’ and the upstairs is a large sky-lit space, which will have approximately 25 antique vendors and two large art walls.”

Terry, the experienced original visionary, is clearly passionate about her business, community and its people. She has made a space that she describes as “an escape from reality,” which we all could use sometimes. Her innovative son Jonathan is excited to watch everything grow and constantly evolve as interesting new artists come to add some of their pieces. They hope to create a place that can be a destination for Rhode Islanders and visitors to get a feel for what a collaborative and creative community can offer.