At The Art Gallery in Willoughby, an abundance of original art and more inspires

By Mary Malik

In a world of mass production, there’s literally nothing like an original. The Art Gallery is a place where everything you see is just that, original. Owner GeorgeAnn Trembour is an artist and a retired art teacher.

After purchasing The Art Gallery from another artist, she and her husband have carried on the tradition of showcasing artists from everywhere and providing a place for original art to be seen and celebrated right here in Willoughby.

“We all know that art comes in many forms,” says GeorgeAnn.

“We showcase everything from watercolor and oil paintings to glassware, jewelry, textiles and everything in between. People come in looking for a special piece for a feature wall in their home, or a small gift like a magnet or wine glass. Whatever your taste or budget, there’s something for everyone. And if you have time to linger, there’s always an art show in progress to enjoy.”

And beginning Friday, March 22, until Saturday, April 20, the latest show, “Urban Rhythms,” showcases artists working in many different mediums, from watercolors to sculpture.

“We call the show ‘Urban Rhythms’ because many of the pieces interpret urban life,” says GeorgeAnn.

“The work of local graphic designer Chuck Morano really inspired the title. His pieces are a graffiti style and represent the pulse of a city.”

Along with Chuck, the work of local award-winning artists George Kocar, Dan Driscoll and Ted Lawson will also be showcased.

Art shows are just one of the ways The Art Gallery reaches out to the community and pulls them into their wonderful world of art. Classes are also available in everything from silk painting and watercolors to jewelry making and glass painting.

“And if there’s something we haven’t thought of just let us know,” says GeorgeAnn. “We’ll do a special class just for you and a group of friends.”

GeorgeAnn says the silk painting class is a real favorite. Taught by Gunter Schwegler, renowned for his paintings on silk and his engaging personality, you’ll produce a one-of-a-kind scarf with Gunter’s help. The Beaded Lady bead shop, housed within The Art Gallery, holds beading classes and carries gemstones, Czech glass, crystals and findings.

“The Beaded Lady also does repairs, custom pieces and restrings pearls,” says GeorgeAnn.

“There’s beautiful handmade jewelry created by local artists for sale at all price points.”

All classes at The Art Gallery and The Beaded Lady require no skills or experience, just a willingness to explore your artistic side.

Another way to introduce art into your life is with framing. The Art Gallery offers a wide variety of custom frames and uses archival materials to protect all your keepsakes.

“We’ve framed just about everything,” says GeorgeAnn.

“Some old-fashioned bathing suits for a customer’s lake house and an ornate wedding cookie that had great meaning to the couple are examples. Frames can be a piece of art on their own and even turn something ordinary into something very special.”

GeorgeAnn is active with the Northern Ohio Illustrators Society (NOIS) and works closely with the group to develop themes for the art shows.

“It’s great being involved with NOIS and bouncing ideas off of other artists,” says GeorgeAnn.

“It’s a wonderful artistic community in Northeast Ohio. We love being a part of it and exposing people to world class art right here in Willoughby.”

The Art Gallery is located at 38721 Mentor Avenue, Willoughby. For more information on store hours, events and classes, call 440-946-8001 or check the website ArtGalleryWilloughbyOH.com.