Downtown Bellefonte shop closing its doors after 5 years. ‘Web of connections and friendships’

After five years of business in downtown Bellefonte, Art a la Carte has announced it will close its doors at the end of the month.

The shop, located in the Brockerhoff House on South Allegheny Street, made the announcement on its Facebook page, where it thanked customers for their support over the years. Art a la Carte opened in 2019 as an artisan collective, where local artists were able to showcase their work in the gift shop and have teaching space in the back of the store.

Owner Elizabeth Hay told the Centre Daily Times that despite the success the business has had, she thought it was time to try different endeavors.

“I opened Art a la Carte to showcase the work of local artists who are established, and also to find, mentor and support emerging artists,” Hay wrote in an email. “The business thrived and I worked hard in connecting our artists to the community.”

Noting the “huge commitment of time and energy” it takes to run the shop, Hay said she intends to return to her own artwork of jewelry making and wool felting.

Art a la Carte will not operate an online store, but the business’s Facebook page will continue to operate as a facilitator for local artists to display their work and as a means of advertising for upcoming art shows in the area.

Hay hopes that over the past five years, her business has left a lasting legacy of local artwork and artist appreciation, and that perhaps another person or business can take up the mantle of being the area’s next Art a la Carte.

“There is a fantastic web of connections and friendships that the shop enabled by bringing people together,” she wrote. “I hope the community will continue to embrace local artists’ work and share the wonder and joy of handmade art.“

Art a la Carte will close on Feb. 29, and a customer appreciation shop sale will start Wednesday. The shop will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.