Our Beginnings
Ampersand Home (& Gallery) had its beginnings along Fairfield Avenue as simply The Ampersand Gallery, an artisan gallery specializing in hand-crafted works of art, jewelry, functional pottery, and home decor. The gallery operated out of a retail space in the first floor of a turn-of the-century (20th) Victorian house, which served as a wonderful backdrop for the diverse styles and materials of our artists. We began to collect interesting antique pieces and constructing unique displays in which to showcase the work. The result was a carefully-curated, yet eclectic, collection of work and displays. After the initial grand opening, we continued to discover even more regional artists to add to our offerings.
As a part of our marketing strategy for the first year, The Ampersand Gallery participated in several off-site, local Fine Craft Marketplaces, such as “O.F.F. Market” at Mad Tree Brewing in Oakley and “Art-On-Vine” at Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati. At these venues, we offered a representative sampling of our artists to a larger audience, which also served to entice more visitors to Bellevue for a unique “main street” shopping and dining experience.
Ampersand Home (& Gallery) had its beginnings along Fairfield Avenue as simply The Ampersand Gallery, an artisan gallery specializing in hand-crafted works of art, jewelry, functional pottery, and home decor. The gallery operated out of a retail space in the first floor of a turn-of the-century (20th) Victorian house, which served as a wonderful backdrop for the diverse styles and materials of our artists. We began to collect interesting antique pieces and constructing unique displays in which to showcase the work. The result was a carefully-curated, yet eclectic, collection of work and displays. After the initial grand opening, we continued to discover even more regional artists to add to our offerings.
As a part of our marketing strategy for the first year, The Ampersand Gallery participated in several off-site, local Fine Craft Marketplaces, such as “O.F.F. Market” at Mad Tree Brewing in Oakley and “Art-On-Vine” at Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati. At these venues, we offered a representative sampling of our artists to a larger audience, which also served to entice more visitors to Bellevue for a unique “main street” shopping and dining experience.
Our Customers
One of our favorite anecdotes from our time as The Ampersand Gallery was during the winter holidays. A gentleman came into the gallery early one evening and began immediately to carefully consider the selection of jewelry. He chose a stunning sterling silver necklace with matching earrings. As we were preparing the gift boxes, he related to us that he and his wife were going to see “The Nutcracker” that evening. He continued to tell us that they had been attending that production every year for 30 years, and each year, he bought jewelry for her to wear for the occasion. We were honored and grateful to be a part of such a special tradition! We love the stories that customers bring to each purchase!
Our Move and Expansion
From the very inception of the gallery, we had ideas to expand both our space and our offerings to include the many antiques and up-cycled/re-purposed objects that we used for display purposes, in addition to affordable, stylish home goods that would complement many types of spaces and sensibilities. In fact, many people would inquire about the availability of the unique pieces and antiques that we used to showcase our artists’ works. So when the larger retail space at our current location became available (and just one block away), we embraced the opportunity to provide our customers with a truly extraordinary shopping experience.
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Our Name
Why the Ampersand? And why Ampersand Home (or simply, “And Home”, as we are lovingly nicknamed)? This is a question that we are frequently asked, and the reason is innately interwoven in our own experiences in searching for those inspired, distinctive pieces that we include in our own collection. Often, we come across so many great finds, that we find ourselves remarking: “I am really enamored with this, & this, & this, & that”. Accordingly, the ampersand seemed so fitting to include as a part of our name. |
Our Vision
As artists and collectors of all things with a narrative or a sense of history, we scour the tri-state area and beyond to bring you the next interesting find, from a triple train horn that serves as a candle holder, to the perfect antique chest, to soap that looks like precious rock. We work to bring art off of the wall and onto the table, and look forward to helping you find that perfect gift for yourself or your loved ones. And, please, we certainly hope that you continue to share your own personal stories with us!
Find the inspiration for each of your rooms!
--the creative team at Ampersand Home (& Gallery)