Arts & Antiques Marketplace

display of antiques and collectibles

New Arts & Antiques Marketplace: 30 More Reasons to Shop Downtown

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It’s a good thing that the former Friendly Furniture Galleries building in downtown Fairmont has five floors. Although it just officially opened this week, the new Arts & Antiques  Marketplace in the historic structure at 205 Adams Street is already expanding.

Lou and Deloris Spatafore, former owners of Friendly Furniture Galleries, which was a downtown anchor from 1978 to 2014, opted to reuse and re-imagine the space into an arts  and antiques shopping destination to lure travelers from I-79 to the heart of Adams Street.

They are well on their way. The Spatafores have filled the first floor with about 30 vendors and are preparing to open the second floor soon. Pick out that perfect vintage dress and try it on in the dressing room. Search for the antique treasures you collect. From handmade quilts to original artwork, the vendor booths provide an eclectic mix of merchandise to delight your eyes—and your wallet. Look closely so you don’t miss anything. From a dish for a doll’s tea party to a vintage purse for your prom or gala, you can find it here in a bright, friendly atmosphere. “It’s a nice mix,” Deloris says. “There is no flea market or yard sale feel.”  In fact, a jury committee oversees the selection of each vendor to ensure that they add to the atmosphere.20150424_113827_resized

These are just a few of the juried vendors: WV Backwoods Furnishings, Nacoma’s Bunny Hop Shop, Antikigallery, K & J Cards & Gifts, Ash Country Primitives, West Fork Pottery, Fossil Jewels and More, Willow Ridge Vintage and Tracy’s Florals. There are candle makers, woodworkers and more. The First Presbyterian Church is selling fair-trade items like chocolate and coffee with the proceeds benefitting the church’s program to provide shoes for kids in Marion County. Visit often. Why? “The vendors like to keep their displays fresh. There are changes almost every day. Come in and see something entirely different,” Deloris says.

20150424_113747_resized     If you need to take a break while shopping, stop by the Marketplace coffee bar for a flavored coffee or cup of Earl Grey and a helping of good conversation.    You likely will meet the owners and can ask them firsthand about the new store and tell them how much you love it.

    Arts & Antiques Martketplace is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. The store phone number  is (304) 534-8980.

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