Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Karam.
Mary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After renovating a two-story building in Denison Texas for the best part of a year, I moved into the loft on April 1, 2005 and the Mary Karam Gallery downstairs was born. Over 6o art exhibits later, the Mary Karam Gallery has become one of the most noteworthy galleries ever in Grayson County. We represent about 30 artists regularly as well as an additional 20-40 guest artists during the summer shows. Photography and involvement in our community are two of my passions. Implementing several generations of the Main Street Banner Program, taking pictures to hang in the new TMC hospital and helping start the Dia de Los Muertos Festival have been my favorite achievements. While my serious photography work started at Brookhaven College, other facets of that business include large format printing on an iPF 8100 and teaching numerous cell phone photography workshops including Denton, Lewisville and Hagerman NWR. Over the years, I have served on numerous board i.e. Historic Preservation Board, Denison Arts Council, and Main Street Advisory Board and currently serve as Commissioner on Planning and Zoning.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not! When many are ready to retire, I divorced and started a business with no plan and no one to help me. In 2008 most of the 16 galleries and studios started closing up. For quite a few years, the Mary Karam Gallery was the only gallery in town. Denison has experienced growth in recent years and we have added 3 new galleries. Most of the shops are occupied and we have something for everyone! About a year and a half ago, I started writing about art for the local newspaper, the Herald Democrat. It is nice to have some stable income during the winter months. Another challenge is owning an old building. There is always something that needs fixing, but I love it.
Mary Karam Gallery – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Mary Karam Gallery represents some of the best artists in the Texoma area. Betty Nash, Missy Sofey, Pat Pierce and Shelley Tate Garner have all won numerous awards regionally and nationally. Educators from Durant to Dallas send their students to the Gallery because of the variety of art on exhibit at all times especially the Indian rock art and Betty Nash’s chiaroscuro style of painting. Betty Nash has been exhibiting at Cottonwood in Richardson and Southlake for almost 20 years! Metal sculptures attract many visitors plus ceramics, turned-wood bowls, gourds and paper mache. Many visitors comment on the attractive interior of the building. Not only is it a perfect venue for art, it is a great place for receptions, weddings, birthday parties, farm-to-table dinners, etc. I am most proud of our integrity as a business and personally.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success comes in several forms. A successful reception for an artist is any time an artist creates a body of art for a group of admirers to view along with the opportunity to meet the artist and have meaningful discussion. Introducing a recent graduate from the Southeastern University in Durant to the art community is especially rewarding. Every return customer is a success. Every friend that brings their visiting family members is a success. When people come from Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney and out of state that puts us on the map. When an event doubles every year, that’s success. Every time anyone falls in love with a piece of art that they will treasure for years to come, to me that is success. Of course we wouldn’t stay in business without the monetary compensation so yes, any day over $1000 is a success.
Contact Info:
- Address: Mary Karam Gallery
404 West Main Street
Denison, Texas - Website: www.marykaramgallery.com
- Phone: 903-465-3703
- Email: marykaram@sbcglobal.net
- Facebook: marykaramgallery
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Betty Nash
August 8, 2018 at 6:08 pm
The Mary Karam is a beautiful gallery. I am very honored to be a part of it. Mary Karam is one of the nicest and friendliest people in Denison and makes everyone who visits feel very welcome.