Home is where the art is.

Marymichelle takes the show on the road

Marymichelle Exquisite Fine Art, the brainchild of 54-year-old Michael Spears, was born from reports that African Americans don't support and participate in traditional fine art galleries and museums. "Contrary to those beliefs, we do appreciate and love fine art" says Spears, president of Pearlfass Express, the parent company of Marymichelle, with revenues of $275,000 in 2000,

A modern impressionist oil painter, Spears realized his talents at the age of ten, and later studied at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., and received his associate of arts degree from the Washington Technical Institute.

In 1998 while producing the play Cotton Club Revue, Spears exhibited some of his paintings as part of the show. To his astonishment, every piece was sold and the idea for Marymichelle Exquisite Fine Art was born.

An avid oil painter, Spears' paintings reflect his life experiences. "There is definitely inspiration from my family, friends, and my love of the outdoors," said Spears. When asked why he uses such brilliant colors in his paintings, Spears remarked, "I try to capture the essence of these experiences through bold, vivid colors and shapes in my work. My paintings then seem to take on a life of their own when it comes to color scheme"

The seven-employee enterprise brings affordable, quality, limited edition, framed giclees and fine china collectibles into your home. Each piece is signed and numbered by the artist and includes a certificate of authenticity.

Michael Billups, an artist and mentor to Spears, also has works featured by Marymichelle. Both artists paint using the giclee method. Giclee is a French word meaning spraying of ink, which is done on fine art paper producing outstanding color and detail.

"At each affair we provide curators, a business manager, scrumptious cuisine, and at times poets or jazz musicians," says Spears.

The host simply supplies Marymichelle with a guest list and exquisite invitations are sent out. "On average there are twenty attendees per gathering and eight to nine pieces of art, garnering approximately $2,300 in sales," he says.

"A good marketing strategy is a significant force in the success of a business. Make sure that you have enough capital for start-up costs, too little capital can make success nearly impossible," says Spears.

Our present market includes Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Delaware, North Carolina, and New Jersey and we also exhibit for church groups and organizations."

Marymichelle Exquisite Fine Art, 6506 McCahill Dr., Laurel, MD 20707; 202-291-5787, www.marymichellart.com