Chamber Currents
New art gallery opens in Norman Alley
One step inside Art by Marina and you’ll feel miles away from Conway. The newest addition to Conway’s growing art community, located on Norman Alley, next to Pop’s Glass Station, showcases the works of owner Marina Hearle, as well as other artists from her native Belarus and surrounding countries. From oil paintings to handmade jewelry, sports memorabilia to one-of-a-kind glass works, Art by Marina has it all.
The first thing that you notice after walking through the door of her new gallery is all of the beautiful, colorful paintings that fill the walls. From numbered lithographs to original works by Marina, there is something for everyone. Marina’s love of art shows from the second you walk through the door. She is more than happy to show her guests around and you can see the excitement on her face as she walks you through her gallery. She understands that art is an investment, and is more than happy to make sure that her customers get exactly what they want and enjoy their experience there. Perhaps there is a work hanging on the wall, but the dimensions are too big for your home or the colors aren’t exactly what you would like…Marina can create a similar work for you, in the exact dimensions and colors that you want. Maybe you’re about to be a bride, but don’t want a traditional veil covering your face as you walk down the aisle…Marina has handcrafted beaded headpieces that could take the place, and she can even design one especially for you. All of the jewelry in the gallery is handmade by a woman in St. Petersburg, Russia. Marina designs it, but doesn’t actually make the craft herself. The works are unbelievable and have such intricate details that it’s no wonder that you won’t find two that are exactly alike.
Besides the paintings and jewelry, there are also one-of-a-kind glass pieces, handmade shawls and sweaters and also tons of authentic collector’s memorabilia. The sweaters and shawls are absolutely beautiful, and like the artwork, can be customized for you. The memorabilia room is mostly her husband’s and he is also more than happy to tell you about the different pieces that they have collected over the years. Everything is quite impressive with pieces ranging from a book signed by Albert Einstein to a very rare number 45 Michael Jordan jersey signed by Jordan himself. For the movie buff, there is a script for “Pretty Woman” signed by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere and for the baseball enthusiast, a photo of Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio signed by all three.
If nothing in Art by Marina strikes your fancy, and I’m sure that something will, don’t worry…Marina and her husband, Bob, have relationships with many other artists and can get their artwork delivered here for you. Art by Marina is a great place to do some holiday shopping, as there is something for any art lover or collector. They even offer layaway, in case you aren’t quite ready to invest in a piece, but don’t want it to get sold to someone else. Don’t miss out on the Chamber’s Annual Christmas Party and “Norman Alley Gala” on December 13, hosted by Marina, Pop’s Glass Station and the Jerry Cox Company. Stop in and see all of Marina’s works for yourself, and also all of Barbara and Eddie Streeter’s creations at Pop’s Glass…I bet you’ll be back to pick up some stuff for yourself in no time! If you aren’t going to be able to make it to the Christmas party, check out Art by Marina and the rest of Conway’s art galleries during one of the first Saturday Art Walks.
Also, don’t forget to come out this Saturday, December 8, at 10:00a.m. for our annual Christmas parade. Following the parade, there will be holiday train rides at 1:00, 2:30 and 4:00. Call the Chamber at 248-2273 for more information or to purchase train tickets. Come out and help get Conway in the holiday spirit!
