Who we are

Located in the heart of Downtown Willoughby, Stella’s Art Gallery showcases the work of more than 65 local artists from across Northeast Ohio. The gallery offers a richly varied collection—glass, painting, ceramics, blacksmithing, jewelry, woodworking, photography, and more—making it an ideal destination for collectors, casual browsers, and thoughtful gift-givers alike.

Housed in an expansive 5,000-square-foot historic space, Stella’s Art Gallery spans three floors and includes two galleries, 14 working artist studios, classrooms, and shared creative spaces. Every corner reflects active making, craftsmanship, and the distinct voices of its artists.

Whether you are an experienced collector or simply curious, Stella’s Art Gallery invites you to explore, linger, and discover one-of-a-kind works that resonate. Visit us and experience a vibrant creative community where art is not only displayed, but made.

A group of women engaged in printmaking or stamping art activity at a long table in a bright room.
An elderly woman with curly, purple-tinted hair, smiling at the camera, wearing a dark turtleneck top.
An elderly woman with short curly hair and glasses, sitting on a chair, smiling, wearing a white top and a beige fur coat.
A woman with wavy brown hair and blue eyes, smiling and wearing a black ribbed top, against a plain background.

  • Filomenia Stellabotte - Painter, Sculptor, Seamstress.

    Filomemia Stellbotte (1915-2009), AKA Phyllis, was a very talented individual and the Inspiration for the family business . At the age of 16 she graduated from high school in Manhattan, New York and was recognized for her artistic talents. Phyllis was offered a full scholarship to a famous art college (during the early 19030s) of New York in Manhattan. But, at that time, women were not meant to be "scholarly" and she was not supported by her parents to continue her education. A few years of working in NYC, she fell in love,  married, and moved with her newlywed husband, Joseph Stellabotte to Altoona Pennsylvania where they raised their family. During her years in PA she independently perfected her talents and passed them on to her children and grandchildren. She was an expert at oil painting, ceramics and sewing. 

    There was nothing Phyllis couldn’t do when it came to painting or sewing. I should know, she was my mom.  -Carol Pitts

  • After years of success in the corporate world as a top salesperson, Carol decided to retire and embrace a new chapter of creativity. With retirement came the joyful reawakening of her flamboyant, artsy spirit from the 1970s — and Stella’s Art was born.

    As a second-generation artist with a natural creative flair, Carol is known for her bold use of color and expressive style. Her work spans macramé, hand-built clay pieces, and vibrant paintings on glass and canvas — each piece a celebration of individuality and artistic freedom.

    Carol’s diverse educational background has shaped her dynamic approach to art and life. She holds a B.S. in Education with a background in Physical Education and Health, along with Associate Degrees in Retail Marketing and Library Arts. This unique combination of education, business insight, and artistic passion shines through in every creation that carries the Stella’s Art name.

    In 2014, with her daughter Dani Klein, they created Stella's Art Gallery: a group of artist from Northeast Ohio with mission to create, teach and sell art.

  • Dani’s interest in art started as a young child. She grew up watching her grandmother paint oil landscapes and her mother crafting glorious wreaths and candles. As a child she knew art would be a drive in her life. In 1999 she earned a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from Ursuline College and was awarded the Initiative and Innovation Award for starting an art program at the Lake County Central YMCA in Painesville, Ohio. Since then Dani has worked in several settings as a Registered Art Therapist while keeping her art alive by creating with her favorite media, clay. She enjoys throwing on the potter’s wheel and hand-building vessels that can be decorative and useful. Dani also enjoys painting with acrylic and watercolor paints.

    In 2014, with her mother, Carol Pitts, they created Stella’s Art Gallery: a group of artists from Northeast Ohio with the mission to create, teach, and sell art.