Shop Around the Corner Ann McKay Studio By Kaitlyn Knopp
Owner: Ann McKay Address: 441 Market Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania Phone: (570) 320-0866 or (800) 439-1393 E-mail: info@annmckaystudio.com Web Site: www.annmckaystudio.com Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 9A.M.–5P.M., Friday 9A.M.–7P.M
Saturday 9A.M.–3P.M.
Sunday–Monday closed
Ann McKay Studio: Ann McKay started as an apprentice with the James Myer Company in 1994 and took over the business in 1999. This location, which James Myer opened in 1976, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year as the Ann McKay Studio. The studio specializes in gold jewelry by McKay and three other craftspeople: Grays Hockenberry, Sara Reed, and Drew Weiser, all of whom McKay confidently calls “the best of the best.” She also displays one-of-a kind American-made handcrafts from all over the United States.
The Artistry: All pieces are individually handcrafted by McKay and her assistants. Some designs are James Myer’s original designs, but most are created by McKay and her employees, who find inspiration in nature and architecture. As McKay commented, “I spend a lot of time studying nature.” Aside from their own designs, McKay and her skilled artisans welcome suggestions from customers to create unique, personalized pieces. Soon customers will be able to order an original Ann McKay piece directly from her web site.
In addition to handcrafted jewelry, the studio features ceramics, hand-blown glass, various woods, leather, wrought iron, pewter, brass, copper, and textiles.
This year for the first time, McKay will also be showing some of her gold and sterling silver pieces at a second location, Artists on the Green in Eagles Mere in the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania.
All About Ann: A local resident and graduate of South Williamsport High School, Ann went on to study at Penn College, becoming a sign painter after graduation. She later attended Lycoming College earning a bachelor’s degree in art. In fact, it was while searching for her own special class ring that she became inspired to pursue jewelry making as a career.
“I was a student at Lycoming College, and I was looking for a class ring and didn’t want a machine-made piece.” In search of an original class ring, McKay went to the James Myer Company in Williamsport. “I came in and knew it was the place.” She applied for an apprenticeship only to be told there was no opening. So McKay bided her time while working as a teacher and waitress until one day the call came inviting her to become an apprentice for Myer.
According to McKay, the best part about the jewelry-making business is “the community, the customers.” For a business operating in a location that has served customers for nearly 40 years, she gets her share of repeat buyers, often from several generations. “You really get to know people,” McKay explains. “It’s a multigenerational community.”
Kaitlyn Knopp is a is a frequent contributor toMountain Home magazine.
