UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — Handcrafted purses made out of cork rest on limbs of a tree inside April Khalil's new shop.
On the walls and ceiling are vibrant green vines and grass that match a forest-inspired mural she painted for the opening of her creative space,SmARTivities Showcase.
The store's aesthetics fit nicely with Khalil's mission — to "foster and grow" creativity in the community.
Just like its first location in Easton, Khalil will sell the wares of dozens of local artists and some international ones like wood-cork accessories from Portugal.
"Being creative is something that we all have within us and people forget about it. So whenever they come and they see somebody being creative, it, it inspires them."April Khalil
'Family-friendly gallery'
On Friday, Kahlil, and her husband, Amro Kahlil, celebrated with a soft opening of the store, located at 802 Center Valley Drive, inside the Promenade Saucon Valley.
While they were hanging new merchandise on the walls, the couple pointed out some of the artists' work on display.
On one side were brightly colored head scarves and shawls by Paloma Soledad, a Latina fashion designer who worked on the movie, "Coraline."
On another: paintings by Lynn Gojanovich, a mixed-media artist based in Easton.
Next to each artists' work is a bio sheet that shines light on their respective creations.
It's to give the shopper an idea of what and who they are buying from, as opposed to buying from a stranger online.
"What we want to do is bring people closer together with the everyday artist and make art more accessible," Khalil said.
The space currently carries handcrafted candles, home decor, potholders, baby clothing, jewelry, glasswork, paintings, and crochet designs made by artists in Egypt.
Khalil, an artist herself, moved to the Lehigh Valley in 1999 from Georgia.
She grew up attending trade shows with her mother, India, who was a self-taught crafter and sold precious gifts such as jewelry boxes.
Khalil's work ranges from small prints to larger murals like the one inside her shop.
Over the years, she has taught workshops and classes for both kids and adults — something she intends to keep doing at her store in Easton and at the Promenade shopping center.
The classes will range from paint-your-own-pottery to make-and-take crafts; and DIY (Do It Yourself) classes. The shop will also host private parties.
"I call this a family-friendly gallery because we have things for everyone," she said. "Being creative is something that we all have within us and people forget about it. So whenever they come and they see somebody being creative, it, it inspires them."
SmARTvities Showcase is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday — Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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