♥Donate

Employee Spotlight: Meet April at Village Antiques & Art

Last Updated 8/6/2026

RenewAll Inc welcomed April Smith, the team’s new retail manager at Village Antiques & Art, this July 2026. If you haven’t made it to the shop to meet her, be sure to swing by during shop hours this weekend and say hello! Read on to get to know April and learn what drew her to our unique shop here in Central City. 

“What drew me to Village Antiques & Art wasn't just the position; it was the mission,” April said. She shared that she has spent her entire life around family-owned businesses, antiques, artists, and makers, so this industry has always felt part of who she is. “Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the stories behind every collection, every handmade piece, and every small business owner,” she added.

Throughout her career, she said that she’s been fortunate to build experience in marketing, retail, management, and entrepreneurship, but her passion has always remained the same: creating welcoming spaces where people gather, discover, and connect. “Village Antiques & Art represents all of those things,” she shared, “... and joining the team truly feels like coming home.” 

Using her skills in marketing and storytelling, she’s excited to share the talents and unique finds that make Village Antiques & Art so special. She said that she loves getting to know people, learning their stories, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed and connected. “I've always believed that the best retail spaces aren't just about what's on the shelves, but they're about how people feel when they walk through the door,” April said. 


Like the rest of the team, April said she has a “soft spot” for nostalgia. She currently collects vintage Barbie and Polly Pocket pieces that remind her of her childhood, along with vintage Pyrex, mid-century modern décor, and the occasional quirky cat collectible that somehow always seems to find her. “Growing up around antiques taught me that every item has a story, so I think I'm really collecting memories as much as I am objects,” she added.

April said she’s admired Central City’s growth for years. “It's exciting to see a neighborhood where local businesses, artists, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs all work together to create something special,” she said. “That’s the kind of community I love being part of, and I’m looking forward to building relationships with our neighbors, vendors, and customers.”

When asked why she thinks people should visit Village Antiques & Art, April said, “You never know what you'll discover at Village Antiques & Art, but you'll always leave with a story.” She also added,  “Our space is full of items that spark memories, conversations, and curiosity. Whether you love antiques, handmade goods, vintage décor, or you're just looking for something unexpected, you'll always find something new, and you'll always be welcomed.”

A Special Note from April

“I can't wait to meet everyone, and I'm looking forward to getting to know the vendors, artists, collectors, and customers who each have their own stories to tell. I believe the best communities are built through kindness, curiosity, and genuine connection, and I hope Village Antiques & Art continues to be a place where everyone feels welcome, inspired, and excited to come back. I believe every community needs places where people can gather, discover, and belong, and I'm excited to be part of that within the Central City community!”

Calling All Makers & Artists

We’re looking for fiber artists, textile crafters, and creatives ready to share their work at our Rags to Cultural Riches Makers Fair happening Oct. 17th. Your story belongs here.

Levi Simpkin’s “Wheel of Time” Mural at the Huntington C... Levi Simpkins has been wanting to create a mural somewhere in Huntington ever since he moved here five years ago. He shared that he has ...
Allison Broome Bowen’s “Central City Relics” on 14STWAllison Broome Bowen shared that she loved being part of something bigger than her own self, ideas, or artwork. “Creating something for ...
Amy Pabst’s “Ties to West Virginia” Mural at Hattie and ... West Virginia quilters may recognize the West Virginia Star pattern in Amy Pabst’s mural, but this design has a deeper story waiting to ...
Bob Mackie Top Found at Village Antiques & Art"A woman who wears my clothes is not afraid to be noticed.” - Bob Mackie Presenting this women’s blouse to honor the life and legacy of ...