Interview with Mary Fedje, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I retired from 30-plus years in a successful sales career. After leaving sales, I had always wanted to become an artist. So, I began taking art classes at Red Rocks Community College and Arvada Center for the Arts. After painting for a few years, I decided it was time to come out of retirement and combine my two passions by starting my own business. My husband, Michael Fedje, found the property in Olde Town Arvada and convinced me it would be a perfect location for just such a venture. The rest is history.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Light Rail Gallery is a gallery that offers wall space rental to artists who work in a variety of media. This is the place where professional and novice artists alike can hang their work to be displayed and sold.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I get to meet the most amazing artists. And what’s nice is on First Friday, the public can come and meet the artist themselves. They will tell you the story behind the art and personally sign any work you choose to buy.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: The biggest challenge is getting people to walk through the door. Once in, they are awed by the number of talented and award-winning artists that have chosen Light Rail Gallery to be their home.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I started my sales career selling flowers on a street corner. Light Rail Gallery displays art from more than 20 local artists.
Profile
Business: Light Rail Gallery
Address: 7714 Grandview Ave., Arvada
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Founded: 2015
Contact: 303-456-2624,
Employees: 1
