World-renowned artist partners with Bethlehem retailer to craft unique Christmas ornament

A popular Bethlehem home decor retailer is partnering with a world-renowned artist to bring patrons an exclusive Christmas City Cityscape ornament.

Domaci earlier this year launched its collaboration with artist Lisa Kelechava, president and founder of Joy to the World Collectibles. The ornament currently is available in limited quantities at the store at 523 Main St. as part of downtown Bethlehem’s Christmas in July event. The event runs from now until July 25 with businesses participating in various activities and offering patrons promotions.

The hand-painted glass ornament was made in Europe and created by master artisans. It pays homage to Bethlehem, featuring its cityscape and familiar landmarks like the Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces; Central Moravian Church’s steeple; and historic Main Street.

Bethlehem was christened “Christmas City, USA” in December of 1937. Since then, visitors flock worldwide during the holiday season to embrace its many traditions. Domaci co-founders Warren and Derrick Clark said the pair had the chance to meet Kelechava, an Allentown native, earlier this year at the AmericasMart Atlanta Market in Georgia.

The owners wanted to offer patrons something special this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Warren Clark said.

“To be able to collaborate with someone like Lisa with her amazing talent and her special connection to the area was just beyond what we could have even imagined when we started the project,” he said.

Kelechava called the project “near and dear” to her heart, noting her family currently lives in Bethlehem and she is a Lehigh University graduate. Kelechava has crafted holiday ornaments since starting her company in 1998. Currently, the company offers seven different collections and more than 1,200 ornaments in its open line, she said.

“Christmas City is pretty special to me,” Kelechava added.

The Clarks plan to carry the ornament until it is sold out, and then it will only be made available during the holiday season. Additional “Christmas in July” promotions at Domaci include full, advance access of the store’s holiday decor selection and in-store and social media giveaways, as well as a 25% discount on all holiday items, including the Christmas City Cityscape ornament throughout July.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at [email protected].