Stella’s Art Gallery, in Willoughby, brings together artists representing every medium, and with pieces starting at just a dollar, anyone can give the gift of art
By Patricia Nugent
Art is celebrated through every medium, with an eclectic group of 64 well-known artists following their passions through exhibitions, classes and more, at Stella’s Art Gallery in Downtown Willoughby.
On any visit to the spacious gallery, you’ll discover every imaginable medium, from photography to paintings, ceramics, wood art, glass mosaic art, jewelry, copper enamel, repurposed art, glow-in-the-dark art, assemblage, scratchboard, illustrations, stained glass and fiber arts, to name a few.
“The holidays are our busiest time of year,” says Dani Klein, who operates the gallery along with her mother, Carol Pitts. “Thanks to our enthusiastic group of artists, and the local community, we’re able to host a wide variety of well-attended events and classes.”
A Plethora of Happenings
The ladies report Second Fridays art shows go on each month throughout the year. “We put out the call to artists to submit their pieces, then we have an outside juror select what will be included in the show,” says Dani. The show planned in December will be saved for our very own artists and we turn the entire event center and annex gallery into a boutique called “Maker’s Market”.
“The opening reception on Friday, December 9, will be from 6 to 9 p.m. This gives artists the opportunity to have a showcase space in a main gallery where people can shop and buy directly from them. On this night, people can come in and meet the artists personally at their booths.”
The show runs through Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
An activity for budding community artists of any age, the Gingerbread Contest begins with a turn-in date of Thursday and Friday, December 1 and 2. Creativity reigned with last year’s contestants adding festive lights and winter scenes. All entries must be at least 90% food based. Winners will be announced Tuesday, December 13.
Gifting Galore
“Especially at this time of year, we love it that people are buying artwork as gifts,” says Carol. “There couldn’t be anything more personal, more authentic, or more local. We have items to fit any budget, from less than a dollar to thousands of dollars.”
During the events, don’t miss the newly opened second floor gallery and studio spaces. The annex gallery is also presently featuring a pottery exhibit.
And just in time for the increased activity, the ladies report the new studio front doors have been installed. Created by woodworking artist Chris Herokovic, the design is in the arts and crafts style, with interesting outlines of circular shapes done in layers of wood and faux metal.
“It works with the interesting history of this circa 1850 building, which is one of the original storefronts in downtown,” says Chris, who got his start as a carpenter making furniture in Europe.
Classes, Parties
Classes, workshops and drop-in opportunities are offered for all ages and abilities. They range from Kids’ Art Club on Wednesdays to adult programming in watercolors, clay, oils, glass making, quilting and more.
For private parties and events, such as showers, business meetings, birthday parties, team activities and client appreciation parties, the local community has tapped into Stella’s amazing main gallery as the perfect backdrop.
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.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parking is available in front of and behind the building. Call 440-266-9111 or visit StellasArtGallery.comfor more information, and a class schedule.