Era’s end: Last original mill artist to close shop Allentown says goodbye to Main Street mainstay BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer   Will downtown Allentown ever be the same? When the Off the Wall Craft Gallery closes it will take with it many familiar sights that locals and visitors have become accustomed to. No longer will the windows of the old mill gleam with colorful artisan glassworks. No longer will an eclectic grouping of sculpture and garden accessories sit on the front stoop of the shop. And no longer will store owner Karen Deets be seen greeting the people of the neighborhood on her way to the nearby Yellow Canoe for a morning cup of joe. PHOTOS BY SCOTT FRIEDMAN Above: A staple in the Allentown community for over 31 years, Karen Deets, owner of Off the Wall Craft Gallery in downtown Allentown, is retiring to pursue her own artwork. Left: Deets shows a handcrafted garden accessory to longtime customer Kimberly Bevilacqua, of Allentown. Not only will the visible traces of one of the anchors in the downtown business community be lifted like a veil from the daily face of Allentown, but Deets’ deep impact on customers, workers and artists, and a large part of the borough’s history will also come to an end. Deets opened the shop in 1977 on the second floor of the old gristmill, which was then newly renovated by owner Corky Danch. At that time, she sold her own crafted leather goods and stained glass alongside jeweler Evelyn Mamolou, weaver Alanna Mercantini and plant enthusiast Deanne Milligan. In the rear of the property, potter Todd Bernath worked and in the front, The Miller’s Wife Restaurant existed where the Black Forest is today. “The group was young, friendly and carefree,” Deets said, adding that with her, the last of the original artisans, leaving, the end of an era has come. The upcoming reconstruction of the Allentown Pond Dam and County Bridge U- 12, which carries Main Street over Doctors Creek has played a part in Deets’ decision to close shop. The mill, which is located next to the bridge and over Doctors Creek, will have to close for the project, which is expected to take 18 months to complete. “I would not have made this decision at this time if not for the required vacating of the mill building,” Deets said. “I would have eventually, though, and I am not unhappy about my decision.” While many of the mill business owners have decided to relocate or retire, Deets said she would take the mill closing as an opportunity to reinvent herself. She has a stained glass business and when she closes the gallery she wants to learn new techniques, create artistic pieces and continue custom work. Deets plans to complete a botanical-themed installation consisting of six separate but unified panels this fall for a Chesterfield home. Deets is optimistic about closing the gallery, saying it would bring her full circle to a time and place in her life where she can be as carefree as the original artists in the mill. As Off the Wall continues to sell off the last of its inventory, Deets and her employees and customers are welled up with nostalgia for the good times spent among the fine American crafts made by hundreds of artisans while in the gallery. “All good things come to an end,” Allentown’s Sandy Lobley, an employee, said. “I think it’s great that she’s moving into another phase of her life, but sad at the same time for the people who work here as well as the people who shop here.” Customer Marianne Ganadt, of Hamilton Square, said she has shopped in the gallery for gifts for special occasions as the store is a showcase of fine jewelry, art glass, kaleidoscopes, leather goods, metal art, garden accents, wood and more.   “I’m going to miss it,” she said. “They have unique, handmade gifts in all price ranges.” Employee Clara Nurko, who has helped keep the shop artfully arranged, neat, clean and stocked for 22 years, couldn’t help but get teary-eyed when discussing the store’s closing. “I can’t talk about it,” she said. “It’s sad.”N urko said she has made a lot of friends through the gallery over the years. Deets said, “Not seeing the customers and artists will leave huge holes in our lives. We’ve met people over the years that we’ve become very close with. It’s very emotional when you’ve done something with your heart and soul for so long.” Caitlin Van Horn, 17, who was recruited to work in the store four years ago after she walked in and rambled off all of the names of the stones in the jewelry case, said, “It’s nice to work here. There are so many beautiful things we have to look at, touch and sell.” Customer Kimberley Bevilacqua, of Allentown, said the store is part of her family’s history in Allentown. She and her husband bought a house in the borough and then went shopping downtown to adorn their new abode. “This is the first place we walked in and we bought a piece of art glass that’s still in our house,” she said. Bevilacqua said she appreciates the quality of items in Off the Wall and the eye that Deets has for choosing beautiful, artistic works to expose her customers to. Deets said the business has given her many great memories. She said she will carry with her the joy she got out of people coming to the gallery for comfort and to enjoy the beauty of art. “It’s a spiritual fulfillment,” she said. “That’s what this store has been for a lot of people. They get better vibes here because of the energy that all of the artists put into their work.” Almost every item in the store has a story. For instance, Scott Dunham, who once lived in the area, came into the store one day and asked Deets if she would sell his whimsical glass trees. She agreed and he went on to become an internationally known glass artist who changed his name to Bandhu and moved to Arizona where he opened Salusa Glassworks. The trees are among some of the works left at the gallery, which is having a going out of business sale. Off the Wall is using this bittersweet time as an opportunity for fun and games and is giving away over $3,000 in prizes to shoppers who earn the most points in the store’s final days. Deets said she intends on fulfilling her commitment to her customers even after her store closes. She will continue to field calls, questions and concerns and will honor gift certificates and possibly continue to sell items through her Web site. She continues to wish the community well and said that in her imaginary crystal ball she sees a renaissance of Allentown in the following decade. “Fortunately a decision to create a temporary bridge will keep the business district alive,” she said. The gallery will be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. until there is no more merchandise to sell. For information call 609-259-0725 or visit www.offthewallcraftgallery.com.