Pop into local boutiques and peruse Rocky River’s homegrown venues for artwork, handmades, antiques and one-of-a-kinds. Come along while we visit some local gems.
1. Exhibiting Ohio Talent
Since 1970, River Gallery has been dedicated to promoting and sustaining local artists, offering a diverse showcase of paintings, metalwork, blown glass, ceramics, fabricated jewelry and wood pieces. The collection is ever evolving and thoughtfully curated, says second-generation owner G. Ara Hamamjian.
At any one time, an average of 60 artists are represented in the gallery, and north of 90% of them are Ohio-based.
“I was born into this,” Hamamjian says, sharing a passion for art with his clients, who support gallery shows and many of whom have become friends.
“I enjoy curating the body of work that artists produce and present at the gallery — and the work speaks for itself,” he says, adding that artists also “bend his ear” and recommend talent for the gallery. “It’s a real relationship,” Hamamjian says.
If you go: “Be present and enjoy the work,” Hamamjian says. Check online for upcoming exhibitions.
rivergalleryarts.com/exhibitions
2. Cheeky and Chic
Tart Boutique owner Valerie Priebe invites you to step into a dreamy space chock-full of fun, whimsical finds. “I’ve nicknamed the store, ‘cute shop,’ because that is what everyone says when they walk in,” she says, relating that many guests come in seeking gifts but treat themselves, too.
From Blue Q oven mitts, bags and catnip (each sporting witty sayings) to Amano Studio jewelry pieces, Camp Craft cocktails and Finchberry lotions, there’s something in store to wear, display, set the table with or decorate your space.
Priebe also curates some local handmades from vendors like Furbish & Fire Candle Co., Cleveland Sewing Co. and Rocky River-based artist/illustrator Angela Oster. You’ll find some vintage items, too, such as pottery, glassware and vases. And don’t miss the selection of brass candlesticks.
Most important, Priebe says, “I want Tart to be a place where everyone feels welcome.”
If you go: Take time to peer in the windows — and plan on taking a few pics. Priebe’s creative displays started a while back when she dressed some skeletons to showcase. She continued changing them for the seasons. Scenes include the skeletons trimming a Christmas tree, chasing a pot of gold and riding a bicycle built for two. “They even got engaged and then married as Frankenstein and his bride, and they’ve ridden a giant, inflatable red dog through a winter wonderland,” Priebe says. The skeletons dressed as Barbie and Ken on a pink snowmobile were also a hit.
tartboutique.net
3. Importing Italian Inspiration
With a cozy fireplace and full kitchen display stocked with handmade, imported Italian pieces — from biscotti jars brushed in vibrant colors to tableware and artwork — Solari Home is designed to transport guests to the Old Country while offering a taste of how they could transform their living environments.
In fact, the shop was inspired by owner Terrie Viets searching for pieces for her own home. The hunt led her overseas to Italy, where she began meeting with artisans and families in generations-old ceramics workshops. One exclusive line Solari carries, Ubaldo Grazia, dates back to the 1500s.
At Solari, nearly every piece in the store can be customized, Viets says.
“There is no limit to the shape, size or design,” she explains. From dinnerware to linens, the shop’s partner vendors, such as Grazia, will create pieces from scratch.
Since starting Solari Home 22 years ago, Viets has made 57 trips to Italy. Her shop is a constantly evolving collection of treasured pieces that are also everyday favorites for the home. You’ll also find Murano glass jewelry, hand-painted handbags, paintings and artwork representing talent from all regions of Italy.
“The first thing people say when they enter is, ‘It’s so warm and colorful,’ and Solari means ‘sunlit,’” Viets says.
If you go: Solari Home offers tours of Italy, tastings, cooking classes and other events.
solarihome.com
4. Fair Trade Finds
Celebrating 45 years in Rocky River, One World Shop started in the basement of Lakewood Presbyterian Church. It was created as a fair trade Christmas market to counter the holiday’s over-commercialization and support people living in poverty who lacked a market for the items they produced.
Today, One World Shop retains this mission as a nonprofit, where a team of volunteers can help you select interesting items that support and empower artisans and their families. From unique musical instruments like African thumb pianos and djembe drums to colorful baskets, body care products and jewelry, every purchase promotes fair trade and sustainability.
These values are intertwined. For example, artillery jewelry from Ethiopia and Cambodia are earrings or necklaces made from bombs or bullets. “They dig up the shards, melt them and recycle them into jewelry,” explains Colleen Cannon, retail coordinator.
One World Shop also works with Hopes Landing in Tiffin, Ohio, a rehabilitation home for women surviving domestic abuse and human trafficking, who make candles and lotions.
If you go: Check out one of the shop’s new classes, such as quilling, and an around-the-world chocolate tasting.
one-world-shop-cleveland.myshopify.com
5. Beautiful Things
Explore a thoughtful collection of antiques, artwork and eclectic merchandise styled by designer Mitchell Sotka in his eponymous Old River boutique that inspires “a way of living.” Pieces range in age and style, from the 18th century to modern day.
Furniture mingles with fine art, decorative porcelain pairs with crystal collectibles, and there’s vintage barware, silver, jewelry, plus a timeless design aesthetic that informs Sotka’s selections.
“People have said they come here to relax and be inspired by beautiful things,” says Sotka, who also provides in-home design services.
If you go: Mitchell Sotka hosts a variety of trunk shows, celebrating local artisans and jewelers.
mitchellsotka.com
