Mars Landing Art Center

“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.”

Taking a cue from Mother Nature, artist and gallery owner, Miryam Rojas chose the color purple for the outside of her art center nestled in a quiet neighborhood a block from downtown Mars Hill, North Carolina. 

Visions of graceful garden flowers ranging in hues of lilac to deep violet set the pace for a palette of inspiration, symbolizing admiration, enchantment, wisdom, and creativity. Purple also evokes feelings of dignity, independence, and calm. 

Once the first coat of paint covered the sides of the building, Miryam knew instinctively that the color choice was perfect, especially when noticing the stately green trees framing the structure like a beautiful landscape painting. One glance sparks a sense of curiosity, inviting folks to come explore what’s inside.

Miryam, an American-Peruvian entrepreneur, moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains from Rye, New York with a dream to open an art gallery featuring the artistic talent of many of her friends. With a dual major in art history and fine arts, and a career working in television, art galleries, museums, travel magazines, and designer fabric showrooms, the time was right in 2021 when discovering the historic building was for sale.

When Miryam first walked in the door, she was captivated with the strong bones of the structure and a sense of tranquility. Originally built in 1945 as a roller-skating rink, the building’s interior boasts beautifully restored original southern maple hardwood floors and open-beam ceilings.

“My initial vision was having an art gallery,” says Miryam, “but things have a magical way of evolving as time goes on. The building lends itself to so many opportunities for creativity and connection in the community with the downstairs level providing ample space for private art studios and classrooms, complementing our gallery on the main level for exhibits, musical gatherings, and other fun-filled activities. We’re in the process of talking with culinary entrepreneurs who would like to operate a cozy café at the gallery, completing my dream for a multi-purpose art center. I look at this historic building as a dear friend, sharing something special together that fosters friendship and new adventures.”

(Right: Quilted 24" x 24" Wall Hanging, "Barnyard Dreams" Quilted across the miles by sisters, Stephanie Weigel, North Carolina, and Annette Hansen, Texas)

The calendar is filled with inspiration and activity each month, inviting folks to stop by to enjoy gallery exhibitions featuring over 35 talented contemporary artists who bring such talent in a collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, jewelry, metalwork, wood and fiber art.

Exploring and learning more about art is something Miryam believes in, so she’s always on the lookout for dynamic instructors to teach a variety of workshops throughout the year. Just some of the opportunities for self-expression include

life-figure drawing sessions, embracing and understanding more about watercolor and acrylic paintings, and creative writing.

One workshop that’s very popular is Appalachian Rib Basket Weaving with Joe

Bruneau, using locally harvested vines as frames and dyed rattan as primary weaving materials for one-of-a-kind baskets full of texture, color, and artistry.

“Taking this workshop was the best experience,” says Asheville resident, Mary Molloy, “Joe is very knowledgeable with his delightful approach to creating unique baskets and his ability to engage and inspire his students. Not only is he very patient in explaining and demonstrating each part of the process, but his enthusiasm for the craft is contagious. Joe shares so many interesting tidbits of information, bringing lots of ideas to the table. I especially loved diving into his collection of repurposed thrift shop sweaters, learning how to cut and weave each strand of fiber into our projects. Such color and texture! I’ve already signed up for more of his classes, especially being in such a vibrant and revitalizing art center.”

(Left: Hand-designed silk scarf "Asheville Landmarks" By Wendy Newman) 

Mary is one of our amazing volunteers with “Friends of the Farm,” a circle of women in the area who create and donate beautiful, hand-crafted greeting cards that we sell at the farm and out and about in the community. Each one is a treasure, including a variety of techniques utilizing handmade paper in collage and other original designs incorporating watercolors and origami. We have a display of the cards at the gallery that add a festive touch to exhibit.

Music is something else that Miryam loves bringing to the gallery that features a stunning grand piano and ample space for seating while enjoying a variety of intimate concerts. She welcomes suggestions for future activities that you’d like to explore.

Here at Heart of Horse Sense, we have a special connection with Miryam, thanks to her generosity and spirit of community. Beginning last December, she invited us with a wonderful space to exhibit the original art that was the showpiece of Moonlight on the Meadow, our fundraising event in October, 2024. Since that fateful day when Hurricane Helene ravaged the landscape, we’ve been searching for a permanent place to honor these amazing artists who believe in our mission of helping individuals heal from the struggles of trauma. We’re forever grateful for their donations of beautiful paintings, pottery, handblown glass, quilted wall hangings, tote bags, and more!

(Right: A treasure-trove of amazing art - quilted wall hangings and lap blanket, handmade tote bags, original paintings, photography, and pottery!)

We’re looking forward to adding more art to the space with plans to host a reception celebrating our artist friends later in the year. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on all the plans.

Thank you, Miryam, for your commitment to Heart of Horse Sense and your spirited sense of community. Because of you, we’re able to honor and celebrate our circle of artists, and our friendship with you blossoms beautifully with each and every new day. What delight it is being part of Mars Landing Art Center!

Miyam can be reached at:

Marslandinggalleries@gmail.com

828 747-7267

www.marslandinggalleries.com

37 Library Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754

The center is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11am to 5pm. It’s easy to find when approaching Mars Hill, thanks to highway directional signage and the vision of purple as you turn the corner by the library.

“The capacity to care is what gives life its deepest significance.”