I’m sitting here contemplating where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m going. I was born in Johnstown and raised in Westmont, went to Westmont High School and got married here. Then, 17 years ago, my husband Jim and I decided to move away since we had found steady jobs. I had been a banker my entire working life and had gone through several bank mergers, while my husband worked most of his life at Bethlehem Steel and then some insurance jobs after the downfall of the steel mill. It was a tough decision to move and I never imagined I would leave my hometown, until we had to. We eventually settled into Greencastle, PA, a quaint southcentral town.
Then last year my husband out of the clear blue, suggested we move back to Johnstown. He had been retired for a couple of years and my Mom was needing care here in Westmont. At first, I was not sold on the idea, but when I would come back to visit my Mom, I started to pay more attention to the resurgence that was happening in Johnstown. I remember thinking to myself, “they’re tubing and fishing on the Conemaugh River!” I remember in the days when my Dad worked in the Mill it was so polluted nothing could survive. Then I noticed all the new restaurants, coffee shops, wineries and breweries. Downtown was reawakening! The weekend newspaper was filled with things to do, like concerts, plays, art exhibits, and festivals. I was super excited to see the growth in the Cambria City Art District, since art is my passion. I was delighted to see the beautification of Stackhouse Park and that younger families were moving into Old Westmont and restoring the large gracious homes.
As I pondered and prayed for guidance about moving back to Johnstown, I was reminded of the verse in Ecclesiastes, “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” That was it! A new season and a purpose to move back to Johnstown. I could move back to the mountains, which I had missed, be able to get involved in the art community and foremost assist my Mom so she could stay in her home. It just felt right to pick up and move back, there was nothing holding us back.
It’s been over a year now and we are back in Westmont with pup Patrick and kitty Pepe Le Pew. Then a few months ago, I heard that Jill Lisankis, owner of Church Mouse Emporium, was considering downsizing her shop. It didn’t take much thought before I told her I’d take the space. I have always loved Old Westmont or as it’s now known, Historic Old Westmont. When I attended Westmont High School, I dreamed about having a shop in the landmark building on the corner of Luzerne Street and Diamond Blvd. I can remember several businesses in the building over the years. After all these years my dream was coming true and I had come full circle back to my hometown.
After a few improvements to the space I was ready to open-up my shop, Studio U, in September. My dream has been to make it a community space where you can stop by and chat or create and to talk about what you enjoy. Since my opening in September I’ve had several paint classes and a few kids’ paint parties, a card making event and some home décor workshops. I’ve had a tea for some of my neighbors which included a scarf tying demonstration, by local businesswoman Emily Mansur.
I’ve also started The Write Stuff writing group, with the assistance of local resident and writer Roxanne Tuinstra. The group is open to anyone interested in writing. I’m excited to have handcrafted items for sale from local artists and makers. I also carry a line of unique greeting cards. Also, notecards from Jim Richey, local photographer, showcasing scenes of Luzerne Street and the Inclined Plane. You can stop in and pick up a one of a kind handcrafted gift and card.
So, what do I have planned for the future? Well, I’m planning to have a Friday after school program for kids to do a craft or art project beginning in January. A workshop on herbs and succulents is in the works. I’d really like to work with Stackhouse Park to do some nature related art and craft projects. I invite anyone who is interested in doing a presentation or workshop to stop by to discuss their ideas. I’d like to work with the community wherever I can.
I want to let the community know that Studio U is more than just painting. It’s about exploring, creating and making things right in your neighborhood. So next time you are walking around the neighborhood or picking up your child from school or enjoying Stackhouse or visiting any of the merchants on Diamond be sure to stop in and pull up a chair. Just be sure to read the sign on the door before you enter, “Caution, creative vibes inside!”