The year was 2003, and Maren Mullin was in Park City for the first time, snowed in at the bottom of the canyon. "More than 20 years later I'm still here," laughs the LA-born owner of Gallery MAR on Main Street. Her one-year break in the mountains en route to New York’s Fashion Institute of Design evolved into marriage, parenthood, and one of Park City's most distinguished cultural spots. "I work for my artists, creating a positive experience," she states. "Our dedication to artists and collectors never wavers."
After digging out of that 2003 blizzard, Maren scrambled for part-time jobs, including with Susan Meyer at the Meyer Gallery, "my mentor," she says of her Main Street neighbor. Working with over 40 artists today, Maren is excited about Gallery MAR’s "Locals Only" exhibit in January, even as she features Arizona artist Kenneth Peloke and "painting anthropologist" America Martin this month.
With two young girls, a spouse ("my favorite person," she says of husband Matt), and two galleries (check out Gallery MAR’s Carmel location), people are amazed at Maren's energy while managing significant health challenges, which she discusses freely. "I like to share these issues," she says of dealing with multiple sclerosis and what she characterizes as "treatable" breast cancer. "The more people know about MS, the better," she states firmly, emphasizing early diagnosis of the disease and the importance of mammograms.
Free time is for the girls and girlfriends. "My girlfriends are hugely instrumental to my life," she smiles. "We love a good PC Yoga Collective power class." Her 8 and 11-year-olds enjoy arts and crafts with Maren, who is an amateur florist, “and they are still at the age where they love having dance parties with mom,” she laughs.
"I love LA and New York," she says, reflecting on her early days in the mountains. "But I am thrilled to have landed so fortuitously in Park City."