At Stella’s Art Gallery, the beauty of handmade work is revered, promoted and celebrated

By Patricia Nugent

Stella’s Art Gallery may look like a small storefront in a shopping plaza in downtown Willoughby, but just as Alice found out in Wonderland, things are often not the size they appear.

Operated by the dynamic mother-daughter duo of artists Carol Pitts and Dani Klein, the sprawling gallery spans 5,000 square feet over two levels, with large and small event spaces, classrooms and individual workspaces hosting 71 local artists. Though the workspaces are filled now, the ladies hope local artists will put their names on the waitlist.

“We celebrate every medium of art here, including photography, 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, just to name a few,” says Carol. “Our goal is to make art accessible for anyone. We love giving tours. People can find unique pieces of art for themselves or precious gifts for others ranging from $20 to $2,000.”

With Mother’s Day a few weeks away, the ladies suggest this year people think outside the box and buy handmade artwork from a local artist instead of generic flowers. What could be more thoughtful and meaningful than a painting, jewelry or pottery that made you think of your mom?

All About Classes
At Stella’s, educating the community and mentoring others through their journey with art has always been a mission.

“We offer classes, workshops and drop-in opportunities for all ages and abilities to discover and develop skills in every medium,” says Dani. “To make things convenient for busy people, many of the classes are one-time, weekly or monthly, whatever works best in someone’s schedule. We take stock of where you are and develop that. Keeping the student-to-teacher ratio low, people receive loads of individual attention.”

A newer workshop, Digital Painting on the iPad, is a private, three-hour class taught by Tracy Zakraysek, for students 14 years of age and older. Using the Procreate app,

students will learn how to create sketches and beautiful paintings from a tablet and Apple pencil.

Mentoring Students in the Community
Each year, Dani and Carol work with a group of art students in the senior class from Riverside High School. They spend the school year mentoring their pieces while they put together a portfolio.

“We do everything from coaching them how to frame, hang and present their artwork to helping them plan an art reception, including designing their own fliers, and picking the food and live music,” says Carol. “Then we create a space here at the gallery to display their artwork. Students can put their work up for sale if they like, too. Awards and prizes are given out. The show opens on Saturday, April 29, from 7 to 10 p.m. Last year we had more than 400 people attend, with many proud parents and grandparents, as well as members of the community. It was a fantastic evening.”

Spotlight Artists for April
Carol and Dani are thrilled to announce the best of 2022 awards, winning artists, who earned a spotlight place in the main annex for the month of April. The show is entitled, Elements of Texture and focuses on the realm of creativity untethered by the unusual confines of space, time and perception.

For going above and beyond the call of duty, woodworker Chris Herakovic won the Stella’s Award. (You will notice his stunning artistry in the wood doors leading into the gallery.) Photographer Joseph John won the Presentation Award for maintaining an immaculate studio. Tanya Hough earned the Hustler Award for bringing people into the studio. And Michelle Farnworth earned the Social Media Award for promoting her work as well as her fellow artists online. Come experience their ultra-expressive art anytime this month.

“This gives our artists the opportunity to have a showcase space in a main gallery where people can shop and buy directly from them,” says Dani.

Stella’s Art Gallery is at 38033 Euclid Avenue, across the street from West Point Park, in downtown Willoughby. Parking is available in front of and behind the building. Art is also for sale via an online gallery on their site. Call 440-266-9111 or visit StellasArtGallery.com for more information.