The mercantile building in Alberton has been the home of many businesses since it was built in the early 1900s. It was a grocery store and post office, complete with a meat locker in the rear of the shop. According to the building’s current owner, Joe Hanson, a laundromat was added in the 1970s. By 1983, it had become a business “incubator” which housed six vendors selling items that ranged from video games, and antiques, to machine repair, and used clothing. In 1985 it became “Legend and Lore,” an antique and consignment shop.

By the 1990s the building fell into a long-standing slump and remained empty for a number of years. Eventually, unpaid back taxes forced the building onto the market and Hanson snapped it up last summer.

Now it’s beginning to see new life again, thanks to Alberton resident, Brooke Barnett. 

Barnett, the mother of two small children, said that she works out of her house as an editor and writer and needed a quiet place to get her work done.  She talked to Hanson and struck up a deal to convert a small portion of the old mercantile building into a little office.

Heated by a small pellet stove, Barnett’s office has a big desk, cozy chairs, decorative tables and a small table where a tea kettle lives. 

Barnett decided to invite local artists to bring their work into the office and hang it on the walls, and display items around the room. 

“I’m going to be down there anyway,” said Barnett, “I may as well display local art and invite the public to come in.”

She said that she loves the idea of having a space, not only where people can show their work, but also where artisans can hang out. 

“Artists are welcome to share the space,” she said. “They can paint or write. They are also welcome to hold meetings, and workshops.”

Barnett held a meeting on Dec. 1 for people interested in being involved in the new Cinderella Mountain Gallery. By Friday, Dec. 4, the little shop was decorated and open for business, with a gallery opening held that evening.

“There are a lot of creative people in this area,” said Barnett, “I wanted to create a space where they could meet other local artists.”

Around a dozen artists have their works on display. Including photography, paintings, wood work, beauty products, and more.