Profiles In Business Excellence:
Marquis Art & Frame

     Ken Marquis, owner of Marquis Art and Frame, is enthusiastic about his involvement with a very exciting and creative project- Landfillart. The project's goal is to urge artists to think green and create great art out of rusted refuse, which would otherwise remain as landfill. Instead of a canvas, participating artists begin their work with a rusty scrap of metalÐ a hubcapÐ and let their creativity flow. A slideshow of some of the finished artwork can be found at www.Landfillart.org.

"I have found that the fine artists I have worked with on this project do not even flinch when looking at this white round disc of metal canvas," Ken noted about the unique painting surface. "And why should they? Artists from the beginning of time have used other surfaces for their artwork, such as cave walls in France and Spain, walls of pyramids in Egypt, and Native American animal skins."

To show the grand scope of this project, a goal of Landfillart is to include 1,041 artists, with at least one professional artist from each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, at least one from each of the 50 states, and a number of international artists. In addition to professional artists, 20% of the work will be done by non-traditional artists, such as those who are mentally or physically challenged, artists from politically oppressed countries such as Cuba, young artists, and incarcerated artists. There are already a total of 51 countries involved in this project. Presently, 400 completed art projects have been returned to Landfillart Inc., in Wilkes-Barre, and 500 more are being worked on worldwide.

Also on the list of goals is the compilation of a book featuring the story and photos of the evolution of Landfillart.org and the coming together of artists for a common cause.

"Only artists could lead such a charge," Ken said.
Another goal is to select 200 of these metal canvases to travel and inspire other such movements.

Stop in and see Ken at Marquis Art and Frame for more information and heÕll be sure to share his knowledge and passion for this worthwhile project. While there, you will find the finest service and quality on picture framing, a place to purchase all your art supply needs, and the chance to browse or purchase items from the superb collection of artwork on display.

Visit the Marquis website at www.marquisartframe.com.