I LOVED talking with Marla Enowitz of Marla Beth Designs. We sat down in her studio and I was like a kid in a candy shop…I just could NOT stop looking around! What a great space! We had such a nice chat and now I want to take a paint class. Read on to learn a little bit about Marla…
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I am a native Rye Brooker! I am also a proud graduate of BMPRSS – and the “BMP” part is Bruno M. Ponterio who was my principal! I moved back to Rye Brook 4 years ago, my parents still live here and I love my roots in this community
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
My son Liam is a 6th grader and my stepson Seth is in 8th grade.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Well, that I’m an artist! My hobby turned into a full fledged business last May as a reaction to the pandemic. I started posting my artwork on social media; it seemed the trend was to “share how you are spending your lockdown time”. There were a lot of impressive food recipes being posted, breads being baked …. And I can’t cook! So, I took a stab at showing my artwork to the world!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
My XO, Marla Beth line of mini artwork (4″x4” canvases) was created as an opportunity to give back to local nonprofits in need. To mark an ongoing collaboration with The Arc Westchester, the largest agency in Westchester County supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I’m currently donating 25% of all XO purchases to their organization when promo code “TheArcWest25” is used on www.MarlaBethDesigns.com. I also do monthly zoom painting lessons with the participants at The Arc – they are fantastic artists!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
There is an unspoken bond in this town – we have a shared love for our neighbors, value a good education and understand the importance of building friendships. This sense of community was a huge source of strength for me as I started my journey with Marla Beth Designs. The support that I’ve been shown every step of the way has been nothing short of incredible.
Are you working on any exciting projects?
Yes! I recently completed ‘Rainbow Rain,’ my third public art installation in Westchester and Fairfield County over the past several months. At 660 square feet, it’s the largest canvas I’ve completed to date. It can be viewed through the end of May at the Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights along with a collection of painted mannequins. ‘Rainbow Rain’ follows a ‘Stars for the Stars,’ mural I donated earlier this year to The Palace Theatre in Stamford as well as my 600 square-foot ‘Gumballs’ mural at The Westchester in White Plains. Plans are currently underway for a new immersive art installation – stay tuned!
Where can we find you?
Virtually-you can visit marlabethdesigns.com to browse my available offerings or commission a custom piece. For the latest news and updates, you can also follow me on Instagram (@marlabeth_designs).
In person- I will be hosting a painting workshop May 22nd at The Westchester Childrens Museum for ages 3+. You can register here.
*Marla Beth Enowitz, artist and founder of Marla Beth Designs, is a Rye Brook momprenuer who turned her love of painting from hobby to business once the pandemic hit. On a mission to transform homes and businesses with her uplifting ‘happy art,’ Marla’s signature sparkle (captured in organic drips, playful dots and mesmerizing marbling effects), inspires with a refreshing message of optimism and positivity.