Village Artisans Gallery - Passing the Torch

The Village Artisans Gallery announces the retirement of founder PJ Heyman of Boiling Springs and the sale of the Gallery to Fellow Artist Richelle Dourte also of Boiling Springs, effective October 15, 2024.

“It is wonderful that The Village Artisans Gallery will remain open in Boiling Springs.  Richelle Dourte is a professional artist and, I am sure, will continue to provide high-quality American crafts and artistic works in Boiling Springs” PJ Heyman said.

 PJ Heyman has been the proprietor of The Village Artisans Gallery since April 1995. She and Gay Foltz, of Foltz Woodcarving Studio, have worked together since the inception of the gallery, to introduce the public to the detail and quality of American handcrafted goods. The Gallery is housed in an historic 1875 church building. Inside is found the creative work of more than 200 artists, a great many are local to Pennsylvania, with the addition of juried work from national artists. The Village Artisans Gallery provides a charming, elegant and rich experience in every corner of this fine craft and art gallery.  The high quality of the ever-rotating designs found in the gallery is testimony to its high standards. Among this work are both traditional and contemporary art. Many pieces are absolutely unique, providing an eclectic appeal to those who are willing to shop outside the box. As PJ prepares for retirement, she leaves a legacy with the unique, cornerstone gallery she has built from the ground up.

 Originally intended as a studio space for PJ’s own stained-glass artistry, Gay Foltz has filled her studio space with whimsical wood carvings and conversation. Pj’s long-standing membership in the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, quickly led to an array of works by fellow artists. Over her 29 years in business as The Village Artisan’s Gallery, PJ Heyman has won numerous awards as a top craft retailer. She has dedicated her time and effort giving back to the community through volunteering with organizations including the Yellow Breeches Chapter (Guild), American Craft Week, The Foundry Day Craft Fair and the Boiling Springs Civic Association (BSCA).

 The transition of The Village Artisans Gallery is akin to a dream come true for new owner, Richelle, of metalledwith. Dourte has been an artist represented within the gallery for over a decade with her botanical metalwork jewelry. She is a resident of Boiling Springs and is invested in the Boiling Springs Community through volunteer work, such as organizing an annual town dinner, the BSCA Progressive Dinner. In her career at metalledwith, Richelle has taught metalworking lessons privately and in groups, attended craft shows locally and in surrounding states, served and helped to organize events through the Guild, and has enjoyed creating her metalwork as well as completely custom jewelry for clients. Through metalledwith, she has sought to help people learn about the natural world through the use of foraged botanicals from native PA trees. From the native flora, to local food, to her neighbors, Richelle shows a consistent interest in all that is local to create a sense of place.

 PJ Heyman’s foundation of promoting local fine art and craft has brought regular visitors from near and far. Richelle fully intends to continue the tradition. Richelle and PJ share a commitment to high-quality, American-made craftsmanship, as well as a great appreciation for their shared Village of Boiling Springs. An official celebration will be taking place on October 27, 2024 from 12-4pm. If you want to find a quality-made, perhaps unique, gift come to The Village Artisans Gallery. It will be a worthwhile and rewarding experience.