Gallery MAR
Celebrating 16 years on historic Main Street, Gallery MAR is a mainstay of artistic expression in Park City. Established by Maren Mullin in 2008, this gallery has forged a reputation for showcasing exceptional creativity from established artists and some up-and-comers with a certain creative spark that speaks to Mullin.
Mullin was raised in a family where the arts were celebrated, but with a primary focus on art that one couldn’t buy but could appreciate. In college, she made the courageous decision to change her science-focused major to an art and English degree, which also changed her life trajectory. Mullin moved to Utah in 2003, where she worked as the director of a local art gallery and found joy in connecting people to art.
“One of my favorite things about working in the art gallery business is the mentorships that I am able to provide, both to my employees, whoever my business partners are, and to my artists, and all the things I, in turn, learn from them,” Mullin explains. “Those relationships, over 16 years, became deep friendships and bonds, and we’ve been able to expand the gallery to Carmel, California, where I have a business partner who runs that gallery. It’s just been an absolute dream to be able to impact so many lives and then to see all this creative expression spread all over the world.”
Owning an art gallery in a mountain resort town like Park City, Utah, allows for the serene beauty of nature to intertwine with the bustling joy of artistry and culture. This unique setting allows Mullin to curate collections that resonate with the area’s landscapes and lifestyles. Seasonal tourism spikes provide an ever-changing palette of art enthusiasts and collectors, each bringing their own perspectives and desires to the gallery floor. Gallery MAR showcases many types of art media, from paintings to glass to bronze sculpture.
Mullin harbors a deep and abiding passion for integrating philanthropy with her love for art. This passion notably shines through in her collaborative work with various nonprofits, creating a powerful fusion of artistry and advocacy. By hosting at least one monthly nonprofit to support various fundraisers, Mullin illustrates that art can be appreciated for its aesthetic value and can be leveraged as a tool for social change. By partnering with nonprofit organizations, Gallery MAR hosts exhibitions and events that spotlight critical issues, sharing proceeds to support causes ranging from environmental conservation to the film industry. This dedication to philanthropy enriches the gallery’s mission, transforming it into a platform where art transcends aesthetic appeal, additionally acting as a catalyst for community awareness and engagement.
Heigl Exhibition: “Mother Nature”
Open to the public, May 31, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Gallery MAR- 436 Main Street, Park City, UT 84060
Gallery MAR will welcome a new exhibition featuring Katherine Heigl’s work over the summer. Known largely for her roles in front of the camera, Heigl reveals another facet of her creativity through paintings and mixed-media pieces. Organized to benefit The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, an animal advocacy organization close to Heigl’s heart, this exhibit marks another poignant chapter in Gallery MAR’s story.
“This is a woman who’s a multifaceted artist and a creator in so many ways, and a beloved community member here in Utah,” Mullin beams. “She’s been a long-time client and when she started painting and creating in earnest, we took notice. She and her family asked if we would do an exhibition and I said I would be honored and it’s a wonderful addition to the gallery offerings.”
Heigl shared her enthusiasm for her art exhibit in a post on her Instagram (@katherineheigl). “With a mixture of excitement and nervous energy, I’m busy preparing for my own art exhibition! The wonderful @gallerymar in Park City has invited me to show my art at the end of May, which is both thrilling and also a little terrifying. Sharing my work feels like sharing a piece of my soul.”
The solo exhibition will be open to the public on May 31, 2024 following a private reception, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in a collection that speaks volumes of Heigl’s dedication to the animal cause, serving as a voice for the voiceless.