‘In The Sticks’ firmly planted on Main Street

“The name In The Sticks is a bit tongue and cheek to Bastrop,” said owner Keith Chamberlain, of his eclectic store at 928 Main St.

“I was originally going to call it Sticks and Stones, but there was already a sandwich shop in Bastrop called Stem and Stone. I thought our (initial) name was too similar,” said Keith, who co-owns the store with Alan Barnette. “I liked the name In The Sticks, as it covers many aspects of Bastrop. Everyone can just use their imagination when it comes to our name – people seem to like it. I had a shop in San Francisco for 25 years called Twig Gallery. I have a fixation about trees, I guess. But I wanted to carry merchandise that revolved around being outside – nature, birds, bugs, animals. That was my concept and I revolved everything else around it.”

Keith brings a strong background in design that accentuates the unique feel (and merchandise) of his shop. “I have a degree in interior design from the Colorado Institute of Art, and I was a buyer for an American Craft Gallery for many years,” Keith said. “I am a licensed interior designer who has worked in home design and furniture for five years. I can build models, draw and paint renderings from architectural blueprints. I do the buying for this store. I would like to eventually evolve into a home-furnishings store with gifts and accessories with furniture. That’s where the home feel of In The Sticks comes from.’

Keith said he draws his dedication to his business from personal loss. “I lost my mother and my sister a year before opening In The Sticks; I draw a lot of my inspiration from them,” Keith said. “I did the interior of the store, as it was a mess in here. It took me four months to finish it and I am still tweaking the space. I used that time to grieve and turn the store into something special. People always tell me they can feel the love in here and I think it’s (inspired) from that loss.”

Keith said he met his business partner Alan in 1991. “We both graduated from the Colorado Institute of Art; we’re best friends,” Keith said. “Alan is originally from Texas and I am from the Midwest – from Indiana. Alan also buys for the store Prima Dora in Austin. We are both very artistic.”

Alan is a musician and still continues to sing in his band, Psychic Cowboys, out of Austin. “We have and are going to continue to promote the artists we showcase at In The Sticks,” Keith said. “We usually have someone we are showcasing (inside the store) on First Friday.” Recently, Marti Werks’ handmade jewelry was showcased in the store. “We will continue to showcase a new artist every month,” Keith said.

Store hours for In The Sticks are: Monday through Thursday, and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m..; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Photos and Article By Terry Hagerty – Contributing Writer