Kristen Coates store on Bowen's Wharf to close, Jason & Co moving in (Updated)

Kristen Coates, a store that has sells “arts and objects for the well-curated home”, announced on Tuesday that they would be closing their Bowen’s Wharf storefront on February 24th.

Owned by Kristen Coates, the store opened in September 2015. Coates is also a partner of a project arts speace in Newport, called Bowler Lane Projects.

“It was not an easy decision to decide to close my store, but I know it is the right one. My connection to art, artists and collectors is not going anywhere, just changing with the tides,” Kristen Coates wrote on the Kristen Coates Facebook Page on Tuesday.

“In the meantime, our official last day on Bowen’s Wharf will be February 24, however should we run out of inventory we will close before that. Our last opening reception, Postcards From Newport, a small works group show with work from local artists smaller than 20”x2 and less than $300, is this Saturday, 6-9pm. I hope to see you at the shop for our Farewell Bowen’s Wharf Sale (already started on a few things online),” she concluded.

In an email to customers, also on Tuesday, Coates wrote;

“Dear Friends & Family,

Truthfully I cannot remember a time when my storefront has not been on Bowen’s Wharf. Somehow I’ve managed to make five years feel like a lifetime! But with time, comes change and I can’t say I am a big fan of making moves, but this one just seems right.

Saturday, February 9, 6-9pm will be our last opening reception on Bowen’s Wharf and it is a good one. Postcards from Newport is a small works group show featuring work smaller than 20”H x 20”W and less than $300. I will put a lot of inventory on sale too just to get things moving and the idea of a good sale seems festive!

Thursday, February 14, 12-4pm will be pick up for our Valentine’s Day gift boxes – if you need earlier just let us know, but do reserve yours now if you have not already!

Sunday, February 24 will be our official last day (unless we run out of inventory sooner).

Some art will be in the sale, some will not. If there is something you would like to make an offer on or if you cannot get to the store, just reply to this email and we will get back to everyone in a first come/first serve type way. I have started marking some art and home down online.

My online store will stay up and my art space for workshops, etc will stay open at Bowler Lane Projects and I will begin showing work there with my partner Marie Samuels very soon.

Most importantly, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this store a dream come true for me and all of the artists and artisans that have been able to connect to Newport, Rhode Island and beyond. Connecting artists and makers with art enthusiasts, first time buyers, clients by chance, established collectors and plain old art lovers has been incredibly fulfilling. Reciprocating the process by supporting artists, showing their work and getting their work into the hands of those that love it is an art within itself that brings me so much joy. This part of my life is not going away, just shifting with the tides.

I hope to see you or hear from you in the coming weeks and whatever comes next from my world, you will be the first to know.

Much love,XO Kristen

For more information on Kristen Coates or to shop, visit www.kristencoates.net.

For more information on Kristen’s other project and space, Bower Lane Projects, visit https://bowlerlaneprojects.com/.

Update – On February 14th, Jason & Co announced they would be moving from their location at 182 Thames Street to replace Kristen Coates on Bowen’s Wharf.