Sherry Seiler and Lisa Exner, co-owners of the Silver Lining Gallery, became friends fifteen years ago while working at Evergreen Local Schools in Ohio.  As principals of the two elementary schools in the district, the women shared a love of art and travel. 

Local and regional art fairs were an interest of the two friends.  Anxious to expand their knowledge and experiences, journeys to many distant locations became part of their lives.  Through these trips to various places in the world, their dedication to the arts continued to grow. 

The experiences generated conversations about the possibility of opening a gallery with an emphasis on promoting the work of emerging local artists.  In addition, the friends wanted to offer a variety of affordable art that people could purchase to share with others.

This seed of an idea continued to grow as Sherry and Lisa frequently discussed the idea of opening their own shop.  As life moved on at a busy pace with many ups and downs, the friends put the gallery idea on hold.

Lisa moved on to a new job as Executive Director of Curriculum and Assessment at Sylvania Schools while Sherry retired from Evergreen Local Schools.  Upon Sherry’s retirement, the friends began to seriously contemplate again the idea of opening an art shop.

The next question became location of the gallery.  The small town of Waterville, located on the banks of the Maumee River in northwest Ohio was of interest.  This community established in 1832 is a quaint small town with shops and restaurants lining the main street.  An active historic commission has worked to maintain many of the original buildings in the town.  The construction of the new Fallen Timber Mall within a few miles of the town added to draw of consumers to the area.  Also George Carruth, a world renowned artist, maintains a studio and retail store in Waterville.

With the help of Ann Cherry, Waterville Councilman, the friends, and soon to be business partners, discovered a quaint bungalow that was for sale in the town.  They purchased the home which was built in 1907 and began plans to convert it into a gallery.

Through the assistance of the Waterville Village Administration, the new business partners were able to obtain a grant to help with some of the cost of needed renovations.  Debbie Hanna, the grant administrator, was instrumental in helping them with the grant process.