Today we’d like to introduce you to Maren Mullin.
Hi, Maren; we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Our first space was ideal: a small enough location to start and take risks. After we moved our physical location 11 years ago, we could expand and add artists to our roster. We are now in the center of Main Street, the heart of Park City. We also developed in 2019 to the lower level, where we now have our Art Lounge. I was recently looking back at my business plan and vision for Gallery MAR, which I created in 2008. The ideas, vision, and sentiments are still the same as they were then: a place to connect collectors with artists and support the community here in Park City. I had hoped that my mission of running a contemporary gallery would be a good fit for this market, and at 25, I needed more to risk. I’m most proud of the artists whose careers we have launched here. We have several artists who started here and now are in museum collections and galleries across the US. The fact that they can now support themselves full-time as artists and have diverse careers in the arts is incredible and my most significant accomplishment here.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What has happened in my personal life since opening Gallery MAR? Since opening the gallery, I have moved six times, married the man that I moved to Park City to be with, was named Park City’s Business Woman of the Year, birthed two little girls (7 and 9), ran the Historic Park City Alliance for four years, adopted a dog, started several other businesses, was one of 2021 Utah Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40, and opened Gallery MAR Carmel (in 2019) with Thomas Cushman.
The most important part of my business is my artists: they are why I am here today. Without them, I would be just a building with white walls. The second is my employees, and this is especially true for my manager, Eileen. I have been fortunate to have had incredible staff over the last 15 years. Witness can only survive in this captive market with the right team. Over the years, Gallery MAR has become more and more personal — and is ultimately connected with my identity; it is my dream come true, and I look forward to the next 15 years.
The art market in Park City has remained consistent since our opening — though our offerings continue to change and diversify to meet their needs. Our buyers are the next generation from the collector I was working with initially, and their desires are subtly different. Tastes constantly change, but quality and accolades do not, so we do not follow trends. Park City continues to grow and expand, and our market is reaching further into communities surrounding our town as those areas are built out. Our part-time homeowners and visitors, like designers and commercial builders, are essential to our market.
As you know, we’re big fans of Gallery MAR. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand?
Although we will always carry a few exceptional emerging artists, we now delight in representing nationally recognized artists in museums nationwide. That’s a significant change from where we were in 2009 when I humbly asked a selection of artists to send their work to a brand-new gallery. Many of those first artists have grown up with us — and are now nationally renowned. We have collectors who continue to return to the gallery year after year and remember my staff as friends and trusted guides — that is the best compliment we can receive. After twelve years, I have also become a business owner and artist representative; authenticity and connection are more important to me than ever.
The greatest joy is the people! Don’t get me wrong, I adore artwork and connecting collectors with fine art, but my employees and artists are my greatest joy and most rewarding aspect of owning the gallery. I feel so privileged that I can employ nearly 40 people as a result of this business and the talents of our artists. Over the years, we have made our share of mistakes and have had challenges (shipping damages — grr!), but we always take the opportunity to learn from our errors and grow. And some of our most challenging situations have resulted in our most loyal collectors.
How do you define success?
How well I and my family sleep at night!
Pricing:
- $1,000-$100,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linkin.bio/gallerymar/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gallerymar
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/gallerymar
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marenbargreenmullin
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gallerymar
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSkYMhROQhb7iQ81_UOerAw
- Yelp: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g57097-d12027889-Reviews-Gallery_MAR-Park_City_Utah.html
- soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-81642246
- Other: https://vimeo.com/gallerymar
Image Credits
Carla Boecklin
