Down Creek Gallery, 260 Irvin Garrish Highway, in the heart of the village next to Community Square has a new owner. Islander Marissa Gross purchased the gallery in July and plans to continue the successes of previous owner Tony McGowan, who had it for nine years.
“I feel that (my purchasing this gallery) is one of the few times in my life that I’m in the right place at the right time,” Gross said before one of the Thursday evening artists’ reception she plans to continue.
A photographer with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Arizona, Gross has worked in gallery management, as a visual merchandiser with J. Crew and, most recently, as a massage therapist.
She is also an avid daily runner having competed in seven marathons and countless 10K events, including the Ocracoke race held in April.
Down Creek will continue the tradition of showcasing local artists work in November with a final season “Expose Yourself to Art” opening from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, featuring the photographer of islander Melinda Fodrie Sutton.
These openings are open to all and feature refreshments and live music.
