Local Gallery Dedicated to Empowering Creatives Expands its Repertoire Entering its Second Year

Alice Frank | Writer

Inkwell is located on Hamilton St. in Allentown down the street from the new Moxy and Archer Music Hall.

All are welcome to the well at Inkwell! Located on Hamilton Street in Allentown, Inkwell is a combined art gallery and diverse space for creatives founded by Allentown native and muralist, Kyle Edwards. 

Although Inkwell opened its doors to the public in 2024, the gallery space is simply an extension of a larger brand, also created by Edwards, known as a true l.o.v.e story — an appellation for loving yourself above all else. 

Edwards began a true l.o.v.e story in 2013 after enduring the loss of his sister. While Edwards experienced the stages of grief, he turned to art as his sentiment of joy, recognizing the beacon of hope it can be to those experiencing similar emotions and experiences. 

“Art saved my life; I’m a firm believer in that,” said Edwards. 

The inception of a true l.o.v.e story laid the groundwork for Inkwell — described by Edwards as a metaphorical playground where artists can play, fall down, and get right back up. 

Edwards developed the idea of a shared space for creatives from all realms of the art world to refine and present their work without the fear of judgement or failure. 

“Inkwell is an artist incubator;  we celebrate all of the arts,” said Edwards, “visual, performing, comedy, fine dining…” 

Inkwell and a true l.o.v.e story both offer a communal space of appreciation for artists, but Edwards aspires to also enable students and young artists’ to tap into their creative sides, emphasizing the idea that everything is, in and of itself, a work of art. 

“He’s [Kyle] making strides to improve a place he believes in, and that faith is what makes him an admirable advocate for the Allentown community,” said Alez Ho, Fine Arts major at LCCC.

With recurring events each month, Inkwell offers a reservoir of options ranging from comedy shows to poetry slams to singer/songwriter open mics. The space also hosts its Dopamine and Caffeine event on the last Sunday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The $5 entry to the event offers lo-fi DJ sets over coffee, conversation, and cornhole!

To be creative is an innate human ability, and Inkwell’s plethora of space, events, and workshops offer an outlet for anybody who wishes to explore that side of themselves. Visit atruelovestoryllc.com/ to learn more.