Southport Magazine

Amy Atwell, owner of The Painted Mermaid, in her shop. Photo by Kris Beasley

You may have noticed the wood carvings hanging from live-oak limbs outside The Painted Mermaid in Southport, or perhaps you took note of the woodworker in a bright orange knit cap. But have you ever ventured inside the shop that houses resident artist Dave DeGroat (the guy in the orange hat)? What you will find is something dynamic, as items change every day. Opened in April 2010 and featuring everything from home décor to jewelry, The Painted Mermaid is a treasure chest waiting to be opened.

We had a chat with owner Amy Atwell to learn more about her unique store, located at 1208 N. Howe St. For more info, call (910) 454-4549 or visit www.Facebook.com/ThePaintedMermaid.

Southport Magazine (SM): Why did you want to own your own shop?
Amy Atwell (AA): I had been in “big box” retail since I was 16, and it seemed that as time had passed, the companies I worked for had gotten further and further away from the things I felt most important. I had always wanted the opportunity to keep things simple and be able to focus on and enjoy the best parts of retail, which for me were the customers, the buying, and the display.

SM: Tell us about your consignment program.
AA: We do take consignments by appointment on a 50/50 basis. We accept a little bit of everything and are most drawn to items that are different and, at times, even a tad quirky.

SM: Why is it important to you to feature local art and jewelry in your store?
AA: I love featuring local art and handmade jewelry for many reasons. First, it’s guaranteed to be different, one of a kind, unique. And secondly, I’m not the only one who wanted a chance to do the thing I love “my way,” so why not surround myself and support others who have been inspired to do the same thing! And, you know, that’s not just limited to those who paint or make jewelry; it’s also the folks that shop “the Mermaid” for goodies to refurbish, rebuild or re-purpose!

SM: How did Dave DeGroat become The Painted Mermaid’s resident artist? Can you tell us a bit about his wood carvings?
AA: Dave DeGroat had recently relocated to Jacksonville and was exploring the area for shops to show his wares. We had just put up our sign—three days prior I believe—when he stopped and said to the friend who was helping me at the time, “I carve mermaids; would you like to see them?”
Thankfully she was sharp enough to recognize a great opportunity when it fell in our laps, and Dave became not only our first artist, but our resident artist.

All of Dave’s pieces are carved from Atlantic White Cedar and can be used indoors or out. (The largest piece currently on display actually started life as a telegraph pole from the early 1800’s!) He is truly amazing to watch, with so much of the work being done with hammer and chisel. In addition to designing and building an ongoing inventory, he does work on commission, designing pieces to suit each client’s needs.

SM: What decorating styles can customers find in The Painted Mermaid?
AA: We offer a mix of absolutely anything and everything we think may appeal to our shoppers—new, old and everything in between! And because we take consignments, it changes virtually every day. We keep a wish list, which helps us when we’re out scouting, and we pass the information to our consignors that actually shop for the store on a regular basis.

SM: Favorite food?
AA: At the moment, Dry Street Pub and Pizza’s potato salad!

SM: Favorite book?
AA: “The Bonesetter’s Daughter” by Amy Tan

SM: Favorite music?
AA: Classic ’70s

SM: Favorite place to travel?
AA: The Outer Banks

SM: Favorite thing about Southport?
AA: The waterfront