For years, Ruth Anne and Dave Starnes and Judy and Alan Dinning, couples that are residents of Garden Spot Village (GSV), talked about establishing a place where the artists of GSV could sell their creations.
In the spring of this year, the couples heard that the area off the Village Square at GSV, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, which had been occupied by Fulton Bank, would be available. "We decided the timing was right," said Ruth Anne. "We had to put it in writing (because) people coveted this spot." In June, the four wrote a proposal. In July, they received a positive response, and on Nov. 4, Artisans Corner opened.
A selection committee decides which items may be offered in the juried shop. All items for sale are handmade by residents of GSV. While Gordon Lash tended the cash register a few days after the shop opened, Ruth Anne showed off the tiny treasure boxes Gordon creates. She gladly pointed out Annie McAbee's soft goods, including knitted pieces, and Hershey Hostetter's tiny animals, including a hedgehog. "This is Lloyd Ziegler's work. They are spoon and fork art," said Ruth Anne of the unusual metal creations.
The new shop also sells cutting boards in a variety of shapes and sizes, turned bowls, and a cornhole game. Sewn items include table runners and special clothing items for adults. Dave and Ruth Anne's photography adorns the cards they make, and Sally Mittelstadt's unique cork purses are attractively displayed. Other items include watercolors by Junior Zook, and stained glass items by Bonnie Lord, which are attractively arranged on the glass door in front of the vault to show off their bright colors. Quilts created by Sally Rapp and by the Garden Spot Village Quilters are also available for purchase.
Working her way around the shop, Ruth Anne pointed out cat beds, tatting, paintings, pottery, and handwoven dish cloths. "These are detailed collages made from cut-up magazines," she noted, referencing another craft. Ruth Anne stopped at some brightly colored hats and noted that she makes those. She also pointed out a child's chair she painted, decorated with succulents; it is offered with bows that change to match the season.
Funds raised by sales from the shop will be shared between the artist and the benevolent fund; however, the Garden Spot Village Quilters and some members of the woodshop have designated that all funds should go to the GSV benevolent fund, which helps support residents who have exhausted their finances.
Hours for the shop, which is located to the left after entering Village Square, are Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information about GSV is available at http://www.gardenspotvillage.org.
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