The Astute Artisan, a new store, was scheduled to open on Oct. 1 at 1 S. Market St., Mount Joy, in the former location of the A. Lane Living furniture store. The Astute Artisan will be open seven days per week.

The Astute Artisan is the third store opened in Mount Joy by Dave Astuto and his wife, Joy Helsel. In 2022, they launched Dave's Cleanouts and Collectibles, a vintage toy and collectibles shop at 47 E. Main St. In the summer of 2023, they opened the Joy of Sweets & Treats, a nostalgic candy store, at 55 E. Main St.

Now, with the Astute Artisan, Astuto and Helsel seek to offer an upscale shopping experience for locals and tourists and a place where local artists can sell their items and connect with other artists. From original paintings, pottery, soaps, and handcrafted furniture to Amish-made brooms, upcycled clothing, jewelry, and quilts, the Astute Artisan offers items from more than 30 artisans in a large Victorian building at the corner of Main and Market streets in Mount Joy.

The revitalization of shopping small in Mount Joy has long been a passion of Astuto and Helsel, as they have been homeowners in the borough since 2010. They believe that shopping small creates stronger, more sustainable communities.

Interested artisans and shoppers can learn more by visiting http://www.astuteartisan.com, searching for "The Astute Artisan" on Facebook or @theastuteartisan on Instagram, or emailing vendorsmountjoy@yahoo.com.