Artisan Corner Co-Op reopens after renovations

Justin Strawser, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·2 min read

May 11—MIFFLINBURG — The Artisan Corner Co-Op reopened on Friday following extensive renovations of the historic building in Mifflinburg.

Located at the former Buffalo Valley Inn built in 1860, the first floor of the building at 500 Chestnut St. is home to 18 local artists and crafters and thenonprofit Mifflinburg Buggy Museum. The grand opening celebration continues today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with prize drawings and refreshments.

"The camaraderie here is great," Co-op Manager Karen Teichman, who opened the Co-Op in late 2020, said. "Being able to meet other creative people gives you so much energy. We push each other."

Teichman said she is proud that the products are "100 percent handmade in Pennsylvania." Original paintings, glass work, stained glass, jewelry, wood decor, plants, hand cut cards, photography, soaps, candles, pet scarves, original wildlife paintings, birdhouses, lighted and painted glass, wind chimes, personal protection key chains, calligraphy, folk art and blacksmith items, which are new this week, are among the items for sale.

The former Buffalo Valley Inn, located at the corner of Chestnut and Fifth streets, Mifflinburg, was built by William Young in 1860 as the Youngs Hotel. It became known as the Commercial Inn, the Benjamin Hotel, the Odd Fellows Lodge and the Buffalo Valley Inn in 1913. The building is now owned by preservationist Joannah McGregor, a member of Preservation Mifflinburg Inc. and Buggy Museum Association in Mifflinburg.

"Serious renovations were needed because it's an old historic building," Teichman said.

Three weeks of renovations included ceiling repair, flooring remodel, a new red front door, new lighting and new shelves. The color of the front door is "historic red," which represents a sign of welcoming, Teichman said.

Michelle Ishler, of New Columbia, has been a vendor at the Co-Op for two years. Her micro-business Memory Threads focuses on taking clothing from deceased loved ones and making pillows, aprons or purses for family members.

"Meeting people is what I like about being here," Ishler said. "I get to work with my partner-in-crime (Donna Rearick)."

Rearick, of Williamsport, has operated D&R Woodcrafts at the Co-Op for three years. She also said the people made the place special.

"We all get along and we create ties with other vendors," Rearick said.

Rearick is a vendor at other craft shows, but she said it's nice to have a permanent display.

"It gives me a chance to branch out and do year-round wood decor instead of just fall and Christmas," she said.

Artisan Corner Co-Op is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month and every Friday and Saturday.