“My daughter and I were walking down here and we just started dreaming,”said Betsy Garza.
So when Betsy Garza and Karen Massoglia had the opportunity to fulfill their dream—an arts emporium—they did. Ideas for By the Riverside (BTR) began to develop and form into what BTR is today.
Betsy and Karen decided to open in Old Town because “we both felt like this is where we were supposed to be,” said Betsy. “We’ve already met a lot of really nice people and everybody has been so welcoming.”
By the Riverside will open its doors to the public Friday, August 1. As an art gallery and emporium, BTR will feature unique handmade clothing buttons, furniture, jewelry, fine art, clothing made from recycled cloth and much more.
“Both of us had a dream to do something like this forever,” said Betsy, “but for awhile, we had to take care of family and had other things to attend to, so now it’s our turn.”
BTR plans to launch a website soon. A grand opening for the gallery/arts emporium is scheduled for September.
To learn more about BTR, stop by during JazzFest and call or email Karen at and 517.484.6534.