Lovers of art, design, decorating, scrapbooking and photography alike will be happy to know that a new boutique will open soon in Springville.
The former Rhapsody’s location at 60 S. Cascade Drive is now the new home of the Springville Emporium, co-owned by Reana Artley and Andy Biondo.
Artley, an artist herself, specializing in mixed media collages, has filled the space with art, blown glass, photography, woodwork, clothing and more.
Artley has her own work on display as well as pieces created by artists in East Concord, Perrysburg, Tonawanda, Boston, Angola, Amherst, Collins and Lakeview. “We really need painters,” she says. “I want to make a whole wall of paintings.”
She accepts works of art, crafts, jewelry, hand-made clothing, accessories and woodworking. “We split the proceeds 30 - 70, which is much better than a lot of places,” she explains.
In addition to buying and selling the artwork from her store, Artley offers an Ebay service. “Bring your stuff to me,” she says. “I’ll put it in the store, on the Ebay store or on auction.”
Artley plans to have an open house for artists every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. “I want the place to feel warm and inviting,” she says. “Somewhere that people can come and shop and have a good time.”
Affordable pendant making, craft, art and scrapbooking classes will also be held at the Emporium. While Artley will be teaching some of the classes herself, she invites local artisans to also hold classes at her location.
The shop is not officially open to the public yet but Artley invites local craftsmen to stop in and bring their work. “This is a chance for you to see what we have to offer in the way of space and location,” she says.
Artley hopes to eventually work with local businesses in an effort to give back to the community. “What I would really like to do is raise money to buy a Springville sign,” she says. “There’s no sign when you get off the 219 and I would like to get something put up that welcomes people to town.”
She is also interested in working with non-profit organizations around town to increase awareness of the many programs that Springville has to offer. “I want to work together with the Center for the Arts and some of the artists in East Otto to give back,” she says. “I want to have information about the non-profits available and I would love to work with local artists to donate pieces and help with their fund-raisers.”
The Springville Emporium officially opens on Saturday, November 14 from 5 - 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served and Artley encourages the community to visit for a meet-and-greet, refreshments and the chance to see what the shop has to offer.
After the official opening the Emporium’s hours will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Appointments will be available upon request.
For more information call Artley at 783-5195, e-mail springvilleemporium@yahoo.com or visit PapierBlue.etsy.com.