New downtown business to bring more art, crafts, handmade goods, and fun to Fall River

A familiar downtown business is getting a new partner and the current space is about to be transformed.

Gnome Create owner Chris Antao is partnering up with Stephanie Enloe to create two spaces in one at 9 North Main Street.

Gnome, who is known for their art, crafts, jewelry, and children’s workshops, will be kicking it up a notch. With the new part of the business called “Crafty-ish” expected to arrive in November, Enloe is looking to help fill a space currently left by COVID-19.

“We are restructuring things to hopefully breathe some new life into the space and fill a void that covid has created with canceled holiday craft shows and people homeschooling.”

Currently, Enloe operates Beachside Baubles & Beads.

“I’ve been doing craft shows and markets in the area and teaching art for Gnome for many years. I’m very excited to join Chris and bring some wonderful art to our city.”

Gnome will still be in charge of the space, but the addition of Crafty-ish will be adding a new dynamic to the location, according to Enloe.

“We will still be offering workshops as we always have, but we hope to add a lot more classes with the new artists who will be putting their art in the shop. We hope to create a welcoming community space for families, adults, and children of all abilities. I think Fall River really needs the arts more than ever in a time like this. People are struggling in many ways and we want to help people find some happiness and peace in creativity. Chris and I have some wonderful things planned for the upcoming year.”

Exact details are still to be ironed out such as hours of operation, but a framework for the new venture is already in place with an expansion of business hours compared to the current Gnome Create setup.

“We are hoping to be open to the public Wednesday through Sunday and workshops will occur at least once per week, but most likely more often than that. We want to have programs for kids especially, but we also want to expand a bit and get some adults and teens in for workshops as well.”

For those concerned about COVID-19, Enloe states that a safety plan has already been decided.

“We of course will follow strict protocols with masks and sanitizing and will limit the number of people for workshops by selling advance tickets.”

With the November opening, Crafty-ish will arrive just in time for the holidays.

“We have several talented artists from the area who will be putting their handmade goods in the shop just in time for holiday shopping. With many craft shows and fairs canceled this year we wanted to find a way to help in that regard. The response from the community so far has been wonderful and we are so excited to bring something new to Fall River.”

According to Enloe, the new entity will be adding events and classes starting in January.