Art Emporium to Close After Nearly 30 Years in Business

Art Emporium owner Lisa Muse has had her business in Mount Kisco since 1981. She can recall what downtown looked like when it was populated primarily by mom-and-pop fixtures, like the Fox & Sutherland book and music store, and Smilkstein's.

She got through flood damage from Hurricane Floyd, and remembers what the area was like before Shopper's Park was configured.

“Parking used to be free. It was nice," Muse said.

Now, after nearly three decades, Art Emporium will close next month, with an expected final business day of April 14. Muse said that the lease expires at the end of April but she will be spending time working on fixtures. Already, inventory is being reduced, as items now in the front of the store were what had previously been set aside in the back. Colored signs noting the discounts could be found almost everywhere inside.

The store has been at its current location since 2003, when it moved from its original storefront on South Moger Avenue, with a need for more space being the reason, Muse said.

Muse said that she will miss her customers. Folks shopping felt the same way about the store.

"We're going to miss them," said Chappaqua resident Ingrid Hershman.

"It's too bad," said Mount Kisco's Jane Balter, adding that it was nice to "have a real arts store in town."

"I think it's sad," said John Nadler, a Chappaqua resident.

Lesley Loving, an employee and Cortlandt Manor resident, said that she will miss the interesting people who come in, as well as the comraderie.

For Muse, a Croton-on-Hudson resident, retirement will not be the end of art. She will make her own artwork and hold on to her framing equipment.