OCHLOCKONEE BAY MERCANTILE

The new business bills itself as Wakulla’s art hub

The storefront in Ochlockonee Bay. The gallery offers works by local artists and craftsmen.


Store owner Sheila Roberson amongst the artworks with her dog Max.

Story & Photos By LINDA ANN McDONALD Correspondent

Ochlockonee Bay Mercantile, located at 53 Coastal Highway in Ochlockonee Bay, is a tiny store packed full of local talent.
Located in a strip mall at the corner of Coastal Highway and Surf Road, Ochlockonee Bay Mercantile serves as the local art hub for Wakulla County. For anyone looking for unique items created with local flair, this is the store for you.
The Mercantile is an art consignment store owned by Wakulla resident Sheila Roberson. The store promotes “Living the Bay Life.”
Buying and selling mainly coastal nautical, vintage, whimsical, Florida heritage and Florida wildlife themed items, customers can also enjoy homemade ice cream, shaved ice and freeze-dried candy as a treat while visiting.
Art from locals such as Bill Peters from Alligator Point shares large pictures on display, resin boxes made by Karen Mack from Wakulla, Jewelry made by Jean Crawford of Alligator Point, Medart’s Casey Chaney has her State of Florida wood art and photos for sale, local Debra Sheppard displays her oil paintings, and pottery by Randy and Debby Moritz can be bought.
Specialty sewing embroidery quilts by Susan Wilson and driftwood art by Robin Fogt can be viewed.
Local canine hero Surf Dude is still remembered in Ochlockonee Bay by means of art created by Kay Beaty. Also on display are highly detailed watercolors by Mashes Sands’ Bernice Fuduloff. Items such as aprons, quilts, mirrors, chairs, and suitcases with decoupage on top as well as nautically painted hutches are available. Photography by Doug Artiensey is on display and Neil Hostnick shares his photography, canvas pictures and note cards. Sopchoppy’s Gulf Coastal Zen art as well as beachy clothing, hats and T-shirts can be found at the mercantile.
Store owner Roberson started her business of art consignment 2 years ago after working in sales and interior design for 30 years.
“I went to college at the University of Arkansas and the local branch of Texas A&M in Texarkana,” she says. “I grew tired of building other people’s businesses and I wanted to start my own.
“It was my dream as a teenager to own my own business, so I took my art to Art FX owned by Keith and Janise Padgett. He said he needed help and I helped paint for his escape rooms business, I painted props, wall murals, full laser tag arenas,” Roberson says. “I found this location in Ochlockonee Bay, and I rented it from the Petrandises and started to paint the walls to make the dream of my own business come true.”
The mercantile also offers art classes during the week for customers to enjoy a wine and painting.
“Customers with their young families come into look around eat and ice cream,” she says. “Visitors to the store also enjoy Max, the King Charles Cavalier puppy who greets customers and welcomes people.
“This is the place husbands find their lost wives,” she says. “When the husbands are busy gassing up next door at the fuel pump, they lose their wives somehow and find them in my store looking around and visiting.
“I have people come through after eating breakfast in Panacea as a weekly ritual,” she says.  “They take my art classes and enjoy themselves. This is a fun place to visit and enjoy.”