The Brooklyn store, in dispute with Kelly Clarkson over her $15,000 mechanical bird, attempts to connect with the singer.
“They haven’t heard from Kelly but have reached out to him through multiple channels,” an Art of Play District source exclusively told Page Six.
While the outlet waits for news of the “American Idol” winner, it certainly has some locals in its corner after the drama.
“They have received such an outpouring of support from neighbors and visitors to the store,” the source said. “Everyone who stops by can see it clearly. Other businesses have dropped off gift bags and sent flowers.”
“They’ve received nothing but love in real life. The hate continues online, but they stopped looking a few days ago,” the source continued.
The store – which sells items such as collectible playing cards, puzzles, games and other whimsical home goods – has seen a surge in interest since making headlines with Clarkson.
“They have absolutely seen an increase in foot traffic, with many people coming just to take a selfie with Molly,” one regular customer said of the mechanical bird at the center of the drama.
Before the “Voice” coach’s national attention, the store was already a must-see for wealthy visitors.
“They get the same loyal customers all the time,” the buyer said. “There are always people. Everything is delicate.”
Clarkson called out store staff in an X-rated rant last weekend, claiming she was treated like Julia Roberts’ character in “Pretty Woman” during her visit.
“I drove all the way to Brooklyn to visit this store that I thought was really awesome and had a few things in mind to buy and was literally looked at like I couldn’t afford it and told they could find something comparable for me,” she wrote in the post.
“Wow, man. You’re an idiot and you just lost a huge sale. But y’all should go see Art of Play in Brooklyn if you like being treated like Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman. Sure, check it out 👎,” she added.
After being criticized by Clarkson’s fans, the store owners responded in a statement, explaining that Clarkson had inquired about purchasing a large mechanical bird named “Molly” that was not for sale.
Clarkson fired back in a follow-up post accusing the store of lying.
“Cool, cool. Of course it wasn’t for sale. That’s the narrative that Art of Play is going to accompany 👍,” she wrote on It’s for sale but it costs $15,000 so if you did like me find something comparable for you I can.
“All of this never happened and now it’s no longer for sale. Okay, cool. So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it ✅.”
She also shared a photo of the feathered automaton alongside what appeared to be a $15,000 prize.
Store co-owner Adam Rubin spoke exclusively with Page Six this week to detail his employees’ version of events.
“She didn’t pull out her Black Card and try to buy the thing on the wall. We didn’t tell her no, we didn’t tell her to leave,” Rubin said.
“She asked about the bird. It hangs on the wall and is permanently attached. We explained to her that it was a complicated situation to make these things,” he continued. “It takes years. There’s a guy who makes them, and if we have buyers who are seriously interested, then we talk to the artist and try to find a solution.”
Instead, Rubin claimed his employee asked if the “Since U Been Gone” artist wanted to see a similar automaton priced at $2,000.
“It’s just like (one) thing he said, she said, right?” » said Rubin. “So she’s going to say one thing, I’m going to say another thing. The fact is, nothing happened in the store that was so dramatic that it’s worth throwing a Molotov cocktail at a family business.”
Representatives for Clarkson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Rubin accused Clarkson of using his celebrity status to publicly attack a small business, saying he and his employees were then inundated with hateful messages.
Rubin noted that no one in the store recognized Clarkson and she was treated like any other customer. He also said that despite their feud, she was welcome at his store anytime.
Leaked security footage of Clarkson’s visit showed the “Breakaway” singer, dressed casually in a baseball cap and oversized t-shirt, roaming the store for less than five minutes before appearing to scold staff and storming out.
Page Six has contacted Art of Play for further comment.
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