07/31/2026
Thirty-three years.
Next week marks 33 years since a very young college graduate, with the encouragement of two wonderful parents and an empty storefront rented from Mr. and Mrs. Entenman, took a leap of faith and opened a little pottery gallery in the village of Grand Rapids.
I had visited small towns and large cities throughout Ohio and Michigan looking for the right space. Then I came here…and something simply spoke to my heart. One month after graduating from college, I signed a lease. I had no idea that one decision would become the foundation of the life I love.
That tiny gallery eventually led me to everything that means the most to me—my gallery, my pottery studio, my teaching studio, owning my building, friendships that have lasted decades, customers whom became friends, a passion for teaching that I never expected to discover, and a community that has embraced me every step of the way.
To my family—thank you. My parents believed in me before I fully believed in myself. My mom and sisters spent countless hours preparing food for gallery receptions. My dad helped me in the gallery for years, teaching me more than I can ever repay. Around 1997 or 1998, he even helped me install the clay tiles at our Town Hall after I recreated the original century-old marble design in ceramic. Every time I walk by them, I think of him. I miss him every single day.
To this community—thank you. Your support has allowed this little dream to grow far beyond what I ever imagined. From local customers who stop in often, to the 419 area art collectors who remain so loyal, to visitors from around the world, my pottery has found homes in Germany, Japan, England, Scotland, India, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada…and many more places I probably don’t even know about. Imagine that—a little gallery in Grand Rapids, Ohio, sending pieces of home all over the world. Isn’t that amazing to think how global our little village is!
This morning, before the village woke, my sweet dog and I took our usual walk. Being so early, we had the river all to ourselves. The sunrise glowed behind the old railroad bridge. Three bald eagles floated effortlessly overhead. Egrets stood quietly along the water’s edge. Gulls called in the distance. Turtles basked. Fish leaped from the river. The gentle sound of the rapids—the very rapids our village is named for—filled the morning.
I stopped for a moment and realized…
This is my backyard.
Just across Front Street from my gallery is all of this beauty.
Thirty-three years later, it still takes my breath away.
Grand Rapids has become so much more than the place where I opened a business. It became my home. The center of my world.
Today our little village is filled with wonderful independent businesses. You can create pottery, practice yoga, kayak the river, ride the canal boat or rail motorcars, enjoy tea, coffee, craft beer, or ice cream. Browse bookstores, antique shops, home décor, toys, candy, local produce, honey, pickles, clothing, collectibles, and so much more. Every storefront has its own story, and together they create something truly special.
If you’re lucky enough to call Grand Rapids home, I hope you never stop appreciating its quiet beauty.
And if you’ve never visited, I hope you’ll come discover what captured the heart of a young potter 33 years ago.
If I could go back and make that same decision again…
I’d sign that lease every single time.
Thank you for making these 33 years more wonderful than I ever could have imagined. ❤️
Angelwood Gallery is open Tuesday–Thursday 11–4, Friday & Saturday 11–5, and Sunday 12–5. Each of our village shops is independently owned, so hours vary—but I promise, this little village along the banks of the Maumee River is worth the trip.
Come fall in love with Grand Rapids.
It’s easy to do here.
Here are some pictures from our early morning walk…
With love and gratitude-
Julie ♥️
