AJ News

Joseph Croft Abington Journal Correspondent

CLARKS SUMMIT- More than 90 percent of the handcrafted artwork, crafts and jewelry at the new Cloe & Company on South State Street, Clarks Summit will be from local and state artists.

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Cloe & Company owner Donna Czarkowski displays some products

Abington Journal/Joseph Croft

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Supporting local artists, as well as companies within the United States, is a passion of owner Donna Czarkowski.

“It’s important to take care of our own in this country,” she explained. “I want to contribute to the local economy.”

The Scranton native has been involved in the local market for years. She has had a farmer’s market on The University of Scranton campus for the past few years and hosts an annual red barn sale near Red Barn Village. Czarkowski also participated in a green vendor fair at Keystone College in April. She began work on the store earlier this year.

“After much prayerful consideration and talking with my husband, I decided to go for it,” she said. “Since then, the pieces have been falling right into place.”

Czarkwoski’s idea was to bring a farmer’s market type atmosphere to a store that people could visit throughout the year. “It looks Christmas, but feels like summer all year,” she explained.

Czarkowski said she has always wanted to own this type of “brick and mortar” store. Even the name, Cloe & Company, was one she had had in mind for many years. Cloe, she explained, stands for “Christ’s love overpowers everything.”

Throughout the years, Czarkowski has made many connections with local and state artists and is bringing that connection into her store. Some of the products that will be featured include various arts and crafts, cookbooks and American -made children’s toys. She wanted to feature “serious, quality artists,” and many of those being featured are ones that came to her directly.

Czarkowski said, “I’ve always had a fond affection for people who hand make things.”

Czarkowski, an avid baker and tea blender, will sellher own organic granola and herbal teas. Tea will be served every day, and the first cup served will be free.

Cloe & Company, located at 401 South State Street, will celebrate its grand opening June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Music will be provided by the Coal Town Rounders and guests will able to sample some of the products that will be featured in the store. Summer hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For details, call 570.587.CLOE (2563).