MUNCY - Sharon Culver long dreamed of having her own shop where she could display arts and crafts and related items and also teach.
But the time was never right until recently.
Located in a renovated barn at 3614 Clarkstown Road, Gatherings at Muncy Creek Barn Works, opened in mid-May.
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MIKE?REUTHER/Sun-Gazette
Sharon Culver staffs the counter at Gatherings at Muncy Creek Barn Works.
"I am a floral designer," Culver said.
But Culver offers much more than floral displays and wreaths.
She sells all sorts of items created by local artists and crafts people.
Fact Box
Gatherings at Muncy Creek Barn Works
3614 Clarkstown Road
546-6271
Hours:
Wed. to Sat. - 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
Sun. - Noon to 4 p.m.
Closed Mon., Tues.
"I have a wonderful local basket maker," she said. "I have an herbalist. She makes her own salves and teas. We do custom framing."
Silpada jewelry, hand-lettered signs, artwork, even home-made soaps and soy candles can be found at the store.
"I'm a big proponent of naturally based products," she said, while giving a tour of her store. "I am stressing made in America things."
The barn, located next to her home, was built in the early 1800s.
Although it's undergone major renovations, patrons can still see hints of the barn's structure.
The barn's original ceiling beams are still intact as are ladders that went to long closed-off hay lofts.
Culver, gained years of experience in retail and arts and crafts and working as a buyer for the Ben Franklin store in Clarkstown.
"I do a lot of custom floral work," she said. "I've been a gardener for years."
When she was looking to start a business, there was little question of opening it in the barn next to her home.
"These old barns are being torn down," she said. "I would rather see them put to use."
She gave credit to her three sisters for helping her get the business off the ground.
She had hoped to open a business for many years.
"It's just a dream come true," she said.
Culver believes following her passion helped her realize that dream.
"So far, it's been good," she said.
Culver is hoping to offer various types of classes.
"I want this to be a learning center along with a retail store," she said.
She may eventually expand the business with a deck on the side of the building.
Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4 p.m.
The store is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
