The Heritage of Our Craft
Welcome to Old Town Mercantile! I am Erin, the artist and founder behind this creative space. Although my childhood was spent nearby in Alabaster, the legacy of my family in Helena stretches back for generations. My grandmother, Rebecca McAnnally, was raised in this very town, and our shared history is beautifully reflected in the local schools. I once studied in the same building where she spent her high school years—a time when Helena students attended Thompson—and now, I watch my youngest daughter enter the same classrooms at Helena Elementary that her great-grandmother did long ago. Choosing to raise my children in this beautiful part of Shelby County was a natural decision for me. I am deeply honored to know that our family narrative remains an integral part of this town’s rich tapestry, connecting the past and the future through the place we call home.
Our Roots
Art has always been a part of who I am. I started with colored pencil and graphite and have always loved realism and the challenge of capturing the little details that make a place feel special. Today, I create most of my artwork digitally in Procreate, but every piece still begins the same way—with careful sketching, refining, and drawing each line by hand.
My designs are inspired by local history, landmarks, and traditions. Some of my favorite “research” comes from conversations with my grandmother, who helps keep Helena’s stories alive and reminds me of the people and places that came before us.
Old Town Mercantile grew out of a love for hometown pride, local history, and the places that shape us. My goal is to create artwork and apparel that celebrate Helena, Shelby County, and the communities we call home—pieces that feel timeless, comfortable, and meaningful.
Thank You
We look forward to partnering with other local businesses and artists and growing as a community, together, as Old Town Mercantile is not just a dream for me and my family; it’s a dream for our community.
When I’m not drawing or pressing shirts, you’ll usually find my family and me at the ball fields cheering on our girls, supporting our community, and making memories with the people we love.
Whether you’re here for local artwork, Helena spirit wear, or simply because you love this area as much as I do, I’m grateful you’re here.
Thank you for supporting a local artist, a small business, and a dream that’s finally becoming reality.
Welcome to Old Town Mercantile.
— Erin