Stella’s Art Gallery closes out its first year of celebrating art
By Patricia Nugent
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Stella’s Art Gallery in downtown Willoughby is the place to be, as you’ll find a mind-boggling array of art to behold.
Operated by the dynamic mother-daughter duo of Carol Pitts and Dani Klein, the gallery is celebrating its one-year anniversary by welcoming more than 50 artists to join them, as well as hosting art shows, classes and private parties in their spacious main gallery.
“We’re thankful for the local community that has supported us along the way,” says Carol, who, along with Dani, is an artist herself. “As a working art gallery, every day our eclectic group creates, displays, demonstrates, teaches and celebrates art.”
Here’s What You’ll Find
On any given walk-through of the meandering space within Stella’s, you’ll find every imaginable medium, including photography, paintings, ceramics, wood art, glass mosaic art, jewelry, copper enamel, repurposed art, glow-in-the-dark art, assemblage, scratchboard, illustrations, stain glass and fiber arts, just to name a few.
“With the holidays nearly here, we have items to fit any budget, from unique stocking stuffers such as string flowers and little soaps at around $5, to repurposed art for a funky hostess gift at $15, to $2,000 for an oil painting for someone very special,” says Dani. “Locally purchased artwork really makes thoughtful and meaningful gifts. We also offer a colorful variety of home décor items, from food-safe ceramic dishes and pitchers to coasters, glass vases, clocks and wooden bowls.”
Spreading the Joy
Classes, workshops and drop-in opportunities are offered for all ages and abilities. They range from Kids Art Club to Live Model Drawing, Felted Leaf Art and Fun Fall Canvas.
In addition to art classes, Carol also teaches chair yoga on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Try your first class for free.
As leaders in the local art community, the gallery also hosts juried art shows each month with cash prizes. The theme for January is “Black and White Art.” For February, it’s “What the World Needs Now,” an exploration of positivity.
Party Perfect
The local community has tapped into Stella’s amazing main gallery to host events such as showers, business meetings, team activities and client appreciation parties.
They also enjoy hosting birthday parties for children to adults.
“Each party varies depending on the art project you select,” says Dani. “People bring their own food, refreshments and decorations. We’ve even had food trucks show up.”
Special Events Next Month
Carol and Dani are thrilled to host the Maker’s Market in their main gallery, Friday, December 10, through Thursday, December 30.
“This gives our artists the opportunity to have a showcase space in a main gallery where people can shop and buy directly from them, as we waive the studio commission,” says Dani.
The event is kicked off with a special Meet-and-Greet on Friday, December 10, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, December 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can come in and meet the artists personally at their booths.
Stella’s Art Gallery is at 38033 Euclid Avenue, across the street from Wes Point Park, in downtown Willoughby. Gallery hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Thursday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Parking is available in front of and behind the building. Art is also for sale via an online gallery on their website. Call 440-266-9111 or visit StellasArtGallery.com for more information.