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Look at this stuff — isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think my collection's complete? There are gadgets and gizmos a-plenty, and whozits and whatzits galore. Almost like walking into a treasure trove, you’ll want Epiphany’s Emporium to be part of your world.

Opened in 2017, Epiphany’s is closely related to the Painted Finch gallery next door. When a previous tenant was vacating the store, Wendy Neckers took the opportunity to diversify the business community even more. 

Wendy was brainstorming products for the store as she and her husband traveled across the state to an artisan craft show in Philadelphia. The connections they made along the way fueled Wendy’s vision for a place that further focuses on local artists, incorporating more whimsy and wonder into the mix.

Wendy’s sister Val took on the role of manager, product buyer, and salesperson. Val says the storefront’s best sellers are its collection of crystals, vintage-style sodas, and artisan jewelry. Epiphany’s showcases expressive art in a way that traditional galleries may not. The mediums range from metal arts and leather goods to beeswax candles and alpaca-fur plushies. The shop ensures that no matter your interest or budget, there’s a one-of-a-kind item there for you.

The back wall is lined with craft sodas, including classic flavors like cream soda, root beer, and cola, as well as unique flavors like chocolate-covered cherry, blackberry cream, Shirley temple, black cherry, butterscotch, orange cream, key lime, and birch beer.

When it came time for Wendy to name the business, she knew she wanted Emporium. “I wanted something that we could change out the product without it being an issue because of the name,” she said. “My definition of an Emporium is a shop with all kinds of wonderful things. Then, we were trying to decide what went with the Emporium, and within 24 hours, my sister, my husband, and I saw or heard the word epiphany everywhere. So we felt that the name was supposed to be Epiphany’s Emporium.”

Wendy thought Epiphany sounded like a woman’s name, so they designed the woman in the logo in the style of Alphonse Mucha — one of her favorite artists, known as a visionary from the Art Nouveau period.

People were unsure what to make of Epiphany’s when it first opened, but once people got in the door and saw what it was all about, traffic began doubling. Val and crew keep track of what sells and feedback from shoppers to adjust the products to meet customers’ desires.

The store also offers professional-grade art supplies for those who feel inspired and want to continue their art journey.

“We try to do things that wouldn’t be at Walmart or another art supply store,” Wendy said, noting that all the employees are artists as well — barring the accountant, who she jokes needs to be more analytical so the rest of them have a place to be creative.

There are M. Graham acrylics, Dual Brush pens, Daniel Smith watercolors, canvases, and more. Although Wendy hopes to market to artists, she also hopes to tap into the dreams of people who think art isn’t for them.

Her mission is to make art less intimidating and show people the various avenues of expression. She hopes to continue community opportunities, like plein air painting classes, to teach residents that they can enjoy the process without placing expectations on themselves.

“If they’re enjoying that time at being creative and it gives them peace and joy and lets them relax, that’s huge and fulfilling,” Wendy remarked.

Like Painted Finch, Epiphany’s Emporium features predominantly local artists and vendors. There’s also a constant influx of new products, so there’s always something new to see, no matter how many times you visit.

Wendy maintains that Corry became a “hidden city” thanks to the Route 6 corridor, which makes it easy for travelers to blow right past it. She’s hoping that the shops, along with downtown events, bring people to see what Corry has to offer.

Even if you think you’ve got everything, Epiphany’s Emporium will leave you wanting to come back for more.