Bloomington will soon bid farewell to a downtown business that has served the town and its artists for a decade.

"When I opened Fossil Rain in January 2000 — having been in the same location for the three previous years with a business partner under the name Fossil Ago Go — I knew then that at some point in the future I would shut down retail and continue Fossil Rain as a private jewelry studio only," said Lorraine Farrell, the shop's owner.

Soon, Farrell's premonition will become a reality. Fossil Rain Natural Wonders & Handcrafted Jewelry will close its doors on the Courthouse Square for the last time on Feb. 28.

Farrell made the decision to close the store on her own. It is hard to explain, she said, but this felt like the right time to go.

And while the decision to close feels right for her, many in the Bloomington community feel Fossil Rain is leaving too soon.

"I will miss having the artistry and craftsmanship of her jewelry downtown," said David Wade, owner of Inner Chef.

CFC Inc. realtor Chris Cockerham shared similar sentiments.

"It is a nice art aspect to the downtown," he said. "We have a lot of similar shops, but she had some very unique products and is very talented. ... We've really enjoyed having her."

CFC owns the College Avenue building that houses Fossil Rain. Cockerham said he did not know yet what will occupy Farrell's space.

Although the majority of the store's offerings was dominated by her work and natural wonders, local artists could always rely on Farrell to find space for their creations on her wall. Since its opening, she saw her retail gallery as an opportunity to give back to the community's many artists.

"There were simply not enough venues, and I could provide this service," she said.

And she did, for 10 years.

While many patrons have expressed to her that they will miss her and the store, Farrell emotions are mixed. She described the closing of Fossil Rain as "bittersweet."

"I will miss my regular interaction with the myriad people who contribute to the vitality of our downtown," she said. "... At the same time, I am excited about the many prospects that come with full flexibility in my personal and professional schedules."

Farrell is especially excited that this new flexibility will allow her more time with her family, which includes two sons, ages 15 and 20. This is a huge part of a more open schedule, she said.

But it is not the only part. When she is not surrounded by her loved ones, Farrell's hours will be spent continuing her craft and volunteering around town. Although she has closed the retail gallery of Fossil Rain, the store will have a presence on the Web.

She will also exhibit special collections at various galleries and, perhaps, participate in trunk shows in private homes and art fairs.

Farrell plans to continue her work with Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, a program she has been involved with for nine years now.

And if that's not enough, she hopes to increase her volunteer work in other areas as well, including politics. She also volunteers for the Democratic Women's Caucus, which encourages women to become involved in the political proces.

Owning and operating Fossil Rain has been a dream realized, according to a news release written by Farrell. Her beautiful jewelry and interesting collection of fossils, minerals and stones have attracted customers for a decade.

"I'm 55 years old," she said with a smile. "My interests have expanded, and this is a good time to take the opportunity to give myself flexibility."

Erica Ballard can be reached at elballar@indiana.edu.