Echoes Art & Antiques to open in Orrville with Feb. 7 grand opening

Echoes Art & Antiques, a new boutique and gallery, will have its grand opening Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1430 W. High St. in Orrville. Due to the extreme cold and snow, the outside sign may not be up. People should come in anyway; the store will be open.

“Echoes Art & Antiques is a thoughtfully curated gallery and vintage boutique dedicated to preserving history while elevating contemporary creativity," store owner Kelly Aasen said. "Our collection features original artwork, distinctive antiques and rare finds chosen for their craftsmanship, character and story. We believe that art and antiques should inspire, spark connection and bring depth to any space. At Echoes every item carries its own echo of the past, inviting you to bring it into your present.”

A Rittman native, Aasen currently lives in Wooster.

“I’m kind of starting my life over,” she said.

At a Wayne Artists Group Effort meeting, someone mentioned a shop in Orrville was going out of business due to health concerns. The owner was looking for someone to take it over rather than having to close. Aasen was thinking of opening her own business, and it seemed like a good fit.

“The only difference was they sell antiques, and I’m adding in art and sip 'n' paint classes,” she said.

The new venture is a great fit for Aasen’s eclectic and artistic background. With a degree in fine arts and graphic design, she worked a variety of jobs before starting her own business 10 years ago. At Black Cherry Mind Studios LLC, Aasen does graphic design, photography and fine art painting. She said current technology was making it harder to find work.

"AI is taking over,” Aasen said. “It’s really hard to find jobs when everybody can do it on their phone.”

Since before she started college, Aasen has been interested in having a business to help other artists sell their work.

“Being an artist myself, I know how hard it is to get out there so people can see your art,” she said.

And where did she come up with the name Echoes for the store?

“I was thinking of Echoes in Time because art and antiques are kind of like echoes of the past,” Aasen said.

She shortened it to Echoes and added art and antiques to the name to help identify what the business is all about.

The new business will be a place to find home décor and original art to match an individual’s style.

"A place you can hang out with your friends or make new friends and learn to paint," Aasen said.

The new business will offer a variety of antiques and unique items, as well as original art and prints. Findings available will include quilts, jewelry, candles, cards, painter supplies, and some of Aasen’s own antiques and art.

There will be a changing array of seasonal items for sale. Aasen is still looking for vendors and hopes to have a variety of art.

“The store will always be changing, especially since everything is a unique item,” she said.

Aasen said all the art will be from local artists.

Aasen anticipates some of the area artists with work for sale will be present at the opening. She also anticipates offering light snacks and possibly a storewide sale.

Find Echoes Art & Antiques on Facebook. The website is not yet completed.

Down the road, Aasen hopes to be involved in community events and fundraisers.

“When you support a local business,” she said, "you’re not just buying a product; you’re helping preserve creativity, history and the character of our town. Your support keeps artists inspired, makers motivated and small shops alive. When you choose art made by someone in your own community, you’re supporting a dream and helping artists grow, create and keep sharing the beauty that makes our town unique.”

Aasen invites everyone to stop in during the grand opening or anytime after to visit her business.

“Echoes Art & Antiques was created to support local artists, honor history and bring something special to Orrville," she said. "Your visit helps us continue growing a creative, community-centered space.”