Decline in foot traffic shutters Easton business aimed at creativity, owner says
A decline in foot traffic and a greater presence at a major regional shopping destination has led to the closure of an Easton business aimed at artistry and creativity.
SmARTivities Showcase, 60 Centre Square, closed permanently Sunday in the city’s downtown after six years in operation. Founder and owner April Tennille Khalil of Easton told lehighvalleylive.com her goal is to focus on her newly-launched 3,527-square-foot space at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township.
SmARTivities on Dec. 12 celebrated a grand opening at the Promenade space, which formerly occupied Peeps & Co. and most recently housed Nissley Vineyards, a pop-up retailer last holiday season.
“It is bittersweet but a necessary decision for our growth,” Khalil said. “I really wanted to stay and have both locations, but the holidays didn’t pan out.”
SmARTivities launched in 2018 at the Centre Square site, next to The Carmelcorn Shop. The name is short for “Show Me ART Activities.” Khalil previously said she wanted to expand, then launched the second site at the Promenade.
Signs posted on the front windows of the Centre Square site announce the Upper Saucon relocation. Khalil said there are some fixtures in the closed shop for sale. Other items are being donated. She expects to put out some selections on the Easton location’s front sidewalk this coming weekend, weather permitting.
Additionally, new artist vendors, as well as some existing vendors, are moving to the shop’s Promenade site. Khlalil envisions a larger pottery studio in Upper Saucon, as well as continuing classes for beginners, offering studio time and hosting walk-in activities.
“Maker Showcase” allows guests to browse a collection of handmade items and artwork on display and for sale. Khalil plans to feature the work of over 50 small businesses at any given time. Selections will include candles, crocheted products, paintings, wooden crafts, pottery, photography and cork bags.
“Creation Station” at the Promenade includes all the make-and-take projects, such as paint-your-own-pottery selections.
Khalil has more than three decades experience working as a self-taught, skilled artist. Her niche had always been crafting custom pieces — from small items to large murals.
A Marietta, Georgia, native, Khalil moved to the Lehigh Valley in 1999. She previously traveled the East Coast, participating in various professional arts and craft shows. She later also spent some time working as a medical administrative assistant after obtaining an associate’s degree from Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township.
As a side business, Khalil in 2014 launched “April Khalil Artistry,” when she traveled to birthday parties, area festivals and special events, hosting arts and crafts workshops, offering face painting and teaching art. Khalil’s goal was always to create a space for others to allow their imaginations to take flight, she said.
That’s when she launched smARTivities with the idea for both novices and advanced artists to have space to be creative while other area artists could showcase and sell their work, Khalil said.
Hours for SmARTivities Showcase at Promenade Saucon Valley are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.