By Sue Poster, Westfield-Barcelona Chamber of Commerce Coordinator
Last August a dream came true for Peaceful Designs Pottery owner, Gerry Vacanti. Gerry is a lovely lady that has been doing hand crafted grape leaf pottery of her own designs for the past fifteen years. She now has a very special shop on Main St in Westfield where she features her own pottery and the works of many local artisans.Located at 11 E Main St. her shop has become a go to place for unique gifts.
Gerry has worked as the office manager at G&P Gynecare in Dunkirk for 33 years while she raised her four children, daughters Jen and Cathy and sons Bill and Rick. Her daughters and Cathy’s children, Rob, Ashley and Alysia can be found at the shop lending a helping hand at times. Daughter Jen Centner makes “Slump Bottles” that can be customized and are used as cheese boards or display and they are a big seller at the shop.
Gerry began making pottery in her Fredonia home, where she continues to create, about fifteen years ago as a creative release from her work. She started selling at the Fredonia Farm Market with only 8 pieces, she told her daughter then that this was just the beginning, someday she would own her own shop. Her journey took her to the craft show circuit - doing craft shows and farmers/artisan markets for many years. She had a shop set up within the Cross Roads Farm and Craft Market 6017 Sherman Road for eight years before she found the perfect Westfield location for her shop. She quickly joined the Westfield Barcelona Chamber of Commerce to help promote her business and to be part of this wonderful community.
Ten more artists works share this space with unique offerings, there are tables, pens and pedestals made from aged wine barrels, custom carved wood pieces, long pine needle basketry, maple wood baskets, local postcards, stone art, oil paintings, driftwood decor and handmade fashions. The Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation ornaments are also available here.
The pottery that Gerry makes runs the gamut from her combo bowls that can be used as a salad bowl or flip it over for a chip and dip bowl, hand crafted trivets, mugs bowls, ornaments, and candy dishes that have Westfield, Barcelona, Dunkirk, Mayville embossed in them. These make great gifts or souvenirs, slip a grape ornament over a local bottle of wine for a great gift. Gerry can customise a stainless steel ring for you, you can make a bead bracelet or add to one you have, pick up a hand held prayer cross and get your essential oils along with her handmade soaps. Her newest line of local t-shirts is sure to be a winner.
Gift certificates are available for gift giving and she also participates in the Shoptauqua gift card program. Do not leave the shop without getting your picture taken with her large metal cut out of BIGFOOT!!