September 9th, 2024

New Gallery MAR Managing Director Leslie Wright

We’re thrilled to introduce Leslie Wright as the new Managing Director of Gallery MAR. Leslie brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for art, design, and customer relations, ensuring that the gallery continues to thrive as a beacon of artistic excellence here in Park City, Utah.

Leslie’s professional background is rich and varied, making her an invaluable addition to the Gallery MAR team. With a degree in Psychology and Communication, she ventured into sales and marketing early in her career, working with interior design firms and luxury goods. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her and her husband to own a golf shop in Pinetop, Arizona, and to co-found a women’s golf clothing company. This diverse experience in luxury industries, from fashion to interior design, has equipped Leslie with a unique perspective on aesthetics and client service. Leslie beams, “The world of design and aesthetics has always been something that I love. It brings me joy, and I love sharing that with other people.”

Managing Director Leslie Wright holding up a new oil painting, “Morning Flow,” by Warren Neary

Her journey to join us here at Gallery MAR was a serendipitous one. Upon moving to Park City, Leslie was immediately drawn to the gallery’s aesthetic, which she felt beautifully aligned with her own taste. Leslie describes her own personal taste in art as eclectic, favoring pieces that blend various styles and evoke imagination. She appreciates art that is unique, different, and tasteful, qualities that align perfectly with Gallery MAR’s curated collections. “I’m always looking for something that’s a little different,” Leslie elaborates, “Something that stretches the imagination.” 

 

“I’m always looking for something that’s a little different. Something that stretches the imagination.”

– Leslie Wright

 

When Leslie first visited the gallery, she felt a pull, beckoning her back into the world of aesthetics. “I was so intrigued by the way the gallery was set up from the brightness to the flow. It’s an atmosphere that’s very similar to my own personal taste, and it really resonated with me,” she recalls. Though the gallery was not hiring at the time, the encounter reaffirmed her desire to work in the art and aesthetic world. It wasn’t until much later that a referral from Barclay Butera Interior Design led her to Maren Mullin and ultimately to her current role at Gallery MAR. “It turned out beautifully,” Leslie reflects.

Leslie Wright and Gallery MAR artist Kenneth Peloke in front of one of his latest pieces, “Legend Has It

Now as Managing Director of Gallery MAR, Leslie is excited about building long-term relationships with collectors and helping them to find joy and discover their own creative passions through collected art. “Part of my job is bringing joy to the client,” Leslie shares, “I love helping collectors understand that their taste is what matters, their passion is what matters, and I love helping them get in touch with their creativeness.” She truly values the opportunity to contribute to the design progression of homes, whether that means refreshing a home with new art or helping start off a collector’s interior design from the ground up. 

 

“I love helping collectors understand that their taste is what matters, their passion is what matters, and I love helping them get in touch with their creativeness.”

– Leslie Wright

 

In her new role, Leslie also emphasizes the importance of maintaining efficiency and integrity within the Gallery MAR team, ensuring the gallery operates seamlessly behind the scenes and provides the best customer service possible. Already, she’s found this to be a smooth transition, given the gallery’s warm, inviting environment. From her fellow staff to the Gallery MAR artists to our beloved collectors, Leslie has loved seeing how everyone at Gallery MAR is like “part of a family.” “Collectors will come in just to say hello, shake my hand, and welcome me to the gallery,” Leslie marvels, “that’s just made me feel so good. It’s very emotional, really, and it’s made me realize, ‘wow, these people really love Gallery MAR. It’s really heartwarming.”

Leslie Wright modeling her owl ring in front of Hunt Slonem’s piece “Owls in Trail

Living and working here in Park City has been a dream come true for Leslie. Although Leslie and her family have been privileged to have lived in some of the most beautiful places in the West, from Palm Springs, CA to Flagstaff, AZ, Park City stands out as the most breathtaking to her. “Park City is hands down the most beautiful spot we’ve lived in,” Leslie beams. She especially loves the vibrant, small-town atmosphere, the small business scene, and the natural beauty. “I feel like I’ve finally found my people and my place,” Leslie says, “I finally feel like I’m home.” 

Leslie Wright and Gallery MAR artist Samantha da Silva at last month’s Gallery Stroll

Between her passion for art, design, and aesthetics, her background in sales and business development, and her value for bringing joy and making connections, Leslie is deeply grateful and thrilled to be part of the Gallery MAR family. “I feel like I’ve won the lottery,” Leslie effuses. She hopes this role will be her final career stop, a testament to her excitement and commitment to the gallery.

Welcome, Leslie Wright, to Gallery MAR! Your passion and expertise are sure to bring joy and inspiration to all who walk through our doors.

 


Written by Veronica Vale