South Lake Tahoe art gallery has international and local impact

Most people who drive through South Lake Tahoe know Marcus Ashley Gallery by the large wind sculptures outside their Village Center location near Stateline, but a step inside shows so much more.

Museum quality, limited editions, world famous artists, and "wow" are just a few words that come to mind as one enters the doors at the gallery. Each turn treats the eye with beauty and wonder, and anticipation what is around the next bend.

I walked into the gallery to do research on a story about art on the South Shore, and found that I couldn't just group this gallery, or any other local gallery, into a lump description about art.

At the Marcus Ashley Gallery I found paintings on the walls, glass and bronze sculptures throughout, viewing rooms as well as a large display of Dr. Seuss prints, paintings, sculptures and wall art.

And every inch of the gallery has been artistically arranged and created by Ashley and Marcus Mattila, the owners.

Since 2004, Ashley her husband Marcus have been selling art to both locals and visitors, and they have amassed an impressive following of thousands of people interested in their collections.

Thousands of Dr. Seuss art collectors are invited to the gallery's specialized shows that feature one-of-a-kind and never before released creations. Most know Seuess as a children's book author, but his artwork is sought after and collected. Most of his work was never sold and his widow Audrey now manages the collections and Marcus Ashley holds many pieces. Much of his art was done in secret, and now its being enjoy by people around the world.

Special events at the gallery are held 25-30 weekends a year, and everyone is invited to stop by, meet the artists and look at their work. Their website, www.marcusashley.com, lists the events along with their artwork.

"We're throwing a party 60 days a year," said Ashley. "You get to meet the person behind the clay, behind the brush."

Ashley has a connection with those who come to the gallery, and the staff and the Mattilas have created an experience for those that walk in the door. Some of their collectors even stop by the gallery before checking into their hotels.

"We can change their lives with the experience," Ashley said. The one piece of art they've been waiting for may come into the gallery and they can now have it in their life back home.

Those on vacation explore more than locals have time to do. "On vacation you do what you like to do," explained Ashley. "You look for unique experiences and have time to enjoy them. People like to experience the Tahoe culture and 'be like a local.'"

Because of this, 85-90 percent of the artwork they sell is shipped. They also frame much of the art at their shop at the "Y."

"We specialize in some of the most popular artists of our time," said Ashley. They feature Michael Parks, Dr. Seuss and dozens of other artists. Not only do they carry the work of artists from around the world, they also feature work by local artists Kelly Smith Cassidy, Jon Paul and Valerie Warner.

Most of the art Marcus Ashley carries can only be found in galleries. They even carry Michelangelo's historical work is cast in bronze.

While the wind sculptures outside may be the magnet to bring people inside, Ashley said they put them outside for the community to enjoy. "They are a living, breathing piece of work," said Ashley. The wind sculptures are made of bronze and copper, mediums which are constantly changing with the weather she explained.

"I would love to see more public works of art," said Ashley. "We love the arts in Tahoe." She said painting and sculpture aren't the only arts to feature, but also fashion and music.

"Anything unique the City can do will increase the experience for both locals and visitors. We can partner and build a great community together."

Ashley moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1998 after spending time on the road with "Up With People," a nonprofit group who travels the world to inspire young people to make a difference in their world. She met her husband at Heavenly and the two were married and are now parents to two sons.

Ashley went to work for Wyland Gallery in 1999 where she was the gallery director, and moved with them from their Ski Run Marina location to their current home in the same shopping center as the Marcus Ashley Gallery, a move she encouraged the owners to make. "I knew being near the Heavenly Village would be where it's at," said Ashley.

"If whales and dolphins can sell, then why not all other amazing artifacts?" said Ashley.

They have a staff of 20 employees (and she is hiring by the way, a "great job for Tahoe" Ashley says). Many of their employees have been with them for years, making it feel like a true family operation.