Wild Ones, an art supply, stationery and drop-in craft cafe at 423 York Road in Jenkintown, will open for business in September, ownership announced via Instagram.
Borough manager George Locke told Glenside Local that Jenkintown’s former art supply store, Allegheny Arts by Town Square, closed in 2020.
“It’s exciting because a lot of people have said they wish that store could come back. The owner was drawn to that by the success of the stores in Yorkway Place,” Locke said, noting that Denniston Kinkead, the borough’s longtime Allstate Insurance representative and the location’s former occupant, is planning to retire.
Owner Kat Smith could not be reached for comment. Smith’s first business, Wild Ones Collections, sells insect taxidermy framed with original watercolors.
Smith launched a GoFundMe to assist with the location’s renovation, outdoor seating, studio equipment, and more. From the description:
A community art space with LOADS of activities for ALL ages, budgets and stages; thoughtfully designed and always fresh. Retail to include stationary, art supply, inspired design, hands-on basics, the analog lifestyle and a freedom to create anything! No memberships or reservations needed, no up front payments for bulk courses, no set weekly time frames, room for ALL, and endless exciting events, popups, projects and classes to explore… come and play!
The retail will ideally focus on high quality, affordable daily office/school supplies, and art supplies for the everyday artist or professional artists. The space will be completely modular and adjustable allowing for flexibility and access at all times.
The crafting space will be open format; an “open studio” for both kid and adult level supplies in an inspired and beautiful space OR folks will have an option to choose from a regularly changing menu of craft experiences, starting at $6 and maxing out at around $40, with a secret menu for folks eager to dabble in more hefty crafts like glazed pottery or creating their own wedding place cards/invitations, etc. A place to land for everyone in any community and ability level.
$8,020 has been raised at the time of this writing.
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