INSIDE VIEW FROM BLUE

Offering impeccable service which includes custom framing, private home shows for clients within 60 miles, and worldwide shipping, Marcus Ashley Galleries is a fine art gallery exhibiting an endless array of magnificent oil and acrylic paintings, limited edition prints, sculpture, art glass, and jewelry. For more information visit www.marcusashley.com
or call 530-544-4278.

Blue: How long have you been a resident of South Shore Lake Tahoe?
Ashley: I’ve been a resident since Oct. 1998.

Blue: Where did you move from? What made you want to live here?
Ashley: I’m originally from South Carolina. I was on vacation backpacking in Northern California and decided to visit Tahoe. As we came over Echo Summit and I saw the lake for the first time I knew I had to move here.

Blue: How did you get involved with art galleries?
Ashley: My first job in Tahoe was seasonal. Shortly thereafter I began working for Wyland galleries. I worked there for five years and gained experience in the business. My husband, Marcus, and I decided we wanted to open an independent art gallery; now we’re moving to a bigger location.

Blue: Marcus Ashley Galleries is moving to a new location where Neighbors Bookstore used to be in the Village Center. When will the gallery open? What does the move mean for your business?
Ashley: We will be in the new location May 1. The venue is three and half times larger than our space now. With that space we’ll have the capability to bring in every style of art you can dream of. Our goal is to have a piece of artwork that will match anyone’s taste. For instance, we’re going to bring in more sculptures along with a larger variety of vintage photographs and posters of Lake Tahoe during the summer and winter. We’re also planning on hosting more charity and special events.

Blue: Is there a grand opening planned?
Ashley: We are going to have the grand opening celebration in the end of June.

Blue: What type of artwork does your gallery specialize in?
Ashley: Our fine art gallery exhibits an endless array of oil and acrylic paintings, limited edition prints, sculpture, art glass and jewelry. We specialize in most current famous artists.

Blue: Your gallery has some of Dr. Seuss’s work, correct? Has the new movie Horton Hears a Who, sparked more interest?
Ashley: Most definitely. Dr. Seuss is iconic. His fine art was done for his pleasure, so there are only a few pieces of paintings, sculptures and unorthodox taxidermy characters. If it weren’t for his art, then the children books wouldn’t exist.

Blue: Can you share one of your most memorable stories of a guest touring your gallery?
Ashley: This couple came in and wanted to view some of the artwork in one of our viewing rooms. We sensed this couple wanted to be left alone, so closed the viewing room door and let them have their space. When we re-opened the doors we saw the man on his knees proposing. We’ve actually witnessed a lot of wedding proposals in our galley.

Blue: How else do you spend your time in South Shore Lake Tahoe?
Ashley: My husband and I have a 3 year old son with our second child on the way. We spend our time enjoying the outdoors, whether we ski, bike or just relax on the beach.

Blue: What is your favorite activity to do in winter around South Shore Lake Tahoe? What is your favorite activity to do in the summer?
Ashley: My favorite winter activity is to simply play in the snow and go cross country skiing in the woods near our home. During the summer my favorite thing to do is watch the sunset on the beach as we BBQ.

Blue: Do you have a favorite dining spot?
Ashley: We love sushi and Off the Hook is one of our favorites. When we’re looking for something more casual we enjoy the Burger Lounge.

Blue: What's an inside scoop that you could tell a new visitor to the South Shore?
Ashley: My favorite inside scoop to tell new visitors is the all the local food joints like Blue Water Bistro, Off the Hook, Edgewood Restaurant, etc. I share with new visitors my favorite short hikes, like around Eagle Falls.