Giving Back: Stella Scott

Zvezdana (Stella) Scott, who describes Kennett Square as “the perfect American small town,” finds inspiration in local landscapes, architecture, and history—and in the interesting and talented people she meets here. Community, creativity, and giving back are all part of her life’s richly-textured canvas.

Scott opened Mala Galleria (“mala” means “tiny”) on East State Street in 2012 and recently expanded into a larger space a few doors down. The gallery is a comfortable gathering place showcasing the work of artists from near and far. It’s also a hub for various charitable projects and donations, from holiday turkeys to bicycles. “Many people experience hard times,” Scott says, “and even small gestures help.”

Scott is involved with several local initiatives, including the Kennett Arts Committee, which promotes the arts and artists of all ages through diverse events and activities. She enjoys this collaboration and invites others to join them. “It’s a nice feeling to belong to different groups that support others and do things together.” She also welcomes organizations, businesses, and individuals to participate in the ongoing Thank You Project “by mindfully arranging objects, ordinary and extraordinary,” to spell “thank you” and posting photos to the Facebook page.

At Christmas, Santa’s mailbox appears outside Mala Galleria. Scott delivers the letters to Santa, and each child receives a personal reply (complete with elf-sprinkled fairy dust). Santa shared with her that “one little girl wished only for her family to be together…the most beautiful wish.”

“The gallery has grown in size,” Scott says, “but it will stay small at heart, always friendly and inviting.”