In 2007 Kalat Gallery moved to its current location on the 400 block of Wyandotte Street, just a half-block from Southside Bethlehem’s infamous “Five Points” intersection, site of the 1972 “Ale House Riot.” As a pioneer in the redevelopment of this fascinating corner of Historic Bethlehem, Kalat is committed to bringing the rich tradition of carpet weaving into the rich cultural mix of this neighborhood. People who value the history and tradition of oriental rugs will appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of today’s “Palace Row” area.
The 400 block of Wyandotte was once called “Palace Row” because it was the “Lifestyle Mall” for the Steel Magnates, Railroad Barons, and Financial Captains of Bethlehem’s industrial heritage. The eastern side of the block is comprised of intricately detailed Italianate Victorian facades. Kalat Gallery was originally G.H. Green Hardware. Now the Gallery boasts the oldest intact Victorian storefront in Bethlehem. Wavy glass ripples in the original built-in hutch along the back wall as well as in the double-hung interior sash windows of the double bay display windows.
Shopping or even just browsing at Kalat Gallery is an experience. Whether you are a local resident looking to “buy locally”, or you are a Bethlehem visitor coming for the history, arts, music, and yes, now even gambling, make an appointment to visit Kalat Art & Carpet Gallery at your convenience.
For a truly enchanting experience book your Magic Carpet Evening event. Kalat Gallery hosts private three-course meals for up to 12 people. Drinks & appetizers are served in the front carpet gallery and then an intimate Middle-Eastern meal is catered in the privacy of the rear art gallery followed by an opportunity over desert to chat with Owner Mark Southard about carpet craft, history, and the current situation of the carpet region. Mark did his PhD research in the tribal areas of Baluchistan, Pakistan during 2001.
Kalat, pronounced “Kah-lot” is the Baloch word meaning ancient ruin of a fort, or “where the chief keeps treasure.” It is also a city and the name of the major plateau in Balochistan, the most southwesterly of the four provinces which make up Pakistan. It was once the capital city of the Brahui Confederacy which ruled that region for 350 years prior to British colonial domination in the late 1800s.
Kalat Gallery began in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack on September 11th, 2002. Mark Southard returned from Pakistan on September 20th, 2002 from doing anthropological research throughout 2001 in a rural village near the Afghan border. He had been investigating male participation in maternal mortality reduction in Balochistan when further research in that region became impossible after the events of September 11th.
He carried back with him from Balochistan many fabulous carpets, and a fascination with the mastery of the craftspeople in that area, and in the larger Afghan and Baloch regions. Mark has a deep respect for the culture and people from this region which have sustained the richest traditions of carpet weaving over many centuries and has made a long term commitment to relationship with the people of Balochistan.
