iLand ArT gaLLerY, oceanside in Fenwick Island (between Maryland and Delaware avenues), is more than 3,000 nautical miles from the polished hardwood floors and crisp surfaces of the classic gallery.
Coastal Point • SAM HARVEY:
Mandy Lehm, and Chris and Jessica Clark form the trio that runs iLand ArT gaLLerY. Below, it’s not just paintings and sculptures at the gallery. Bottom, some ‘Ugly Dolls.’
Not to suggest the artwork, sculpture, mobile and — what on Earth is that — wouldn’t feel at home in such a gallery. It’s just that iLand ArT gaLLerY’s Mandy Lehm, and husband-and-wife shopkeepers Chris and Jessica Clark, apparently feel more at home where they can wiggle their toes in the sand.
Toward that end, the Clarks and friends hauled in sand, and more sand, and then boardwalks and stepping stones leading here and there. Jessica contributes paintings and handmade jewelry — the “Barking Rat” line (recognizing her twin muses back at the studio, rat terrier companions Piglet and Roo, and Piglet specifically).
Beside those endeavors, she admitted a full schedule — “With three people running the business, we all wear a lot of hats,” Jessica said. But she credited Lehm for doing a (darn) fine job running daily operations, giving her some time to pursue side projects. “Given the opportunity, I’d work in any medium available,” she noted, considering metal, glass or ceramics.
Originally trained in communications, Jessica studied animation and took a turn in advertising before taking her shot in Fenwick Island. Her artistic influences extend beyond the jewelry and paintings on display (their trademark palm tree logo, for instance).
Coastal Point • SAM HARVEY
Chris recognized that, explaining the less-obvious suggestion behind the “iLand” title — “individual land.” Few terms would better define iLand ArT gaLLerY.
Aside from the art objects already noted, they feature a few books, some bath and body products and a bit of interior décor (lamps, clocks, and wall fountains). The Clarks have catalogued most of their items for sale on the Web site, www.ilandart.com, and even there, the creativity shines.
The site features search by artist, by material (wood, glass, metal, clay, etc.) or by targeted gift recipient (him, her, little ones, corporate). There are even subcategories based on price.
Now in their fifth year, Jessica said they were starting to develop a greater acquaintance with the patrons. They were also starting to recognize the summer visitors who rented the same time every year, she said — the “second week of August” regulars, for example.
“Until you’re in business for a while, you don’t get to appreciate that,” she said.
Chris, trained in hotel and restaurant management, said he’d always aimed to open a business one day. Joining Jessica in the gallery venture, he’s brought some of the easy hospitality from that side of the business. And when Lehm and the Clarks go to shows, they look for people who can help build on that, Chris pointed out.
“Bad personalities, bad businesspeople, we walk away,” he said. “The artists have to have the same fun energy we have here — and I think, because of that, we’re basically good friends with everyone we buy from.
“Creativity, that good energy, comes out in a lot of different ways,” he noted. “Art is part of who we are, the business, the people we buy from — it flows through everything here.”
Coastal Point • SAM HARVEY
For more information about iLand ArT gaLLerY’s decidedly uncommon offerings, call 539-0800 or visit the Web site, www.ilandart.com.