Marla Beth Enowitz. (contributed photo)
By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, the world seemed a little less bright, so one local mom decided to add some color to lift people’s spirits.
Marla Beth Enowitz, who lives in nearby Rye Brook, N.Y., had always painted as a hobby. When quarantine was in effect in the spring, she shared her artwork on social media, and neighbors and friends began reaching out to have pieces commissioned.
Now Enowitz’s hobby has turned into a business. She even has some of her art displayed at the J House hotel in Riverside, and now at the First Bank of Greenwich in Cos Cob.
“The world just became very divided and negative.I felt that that was the messaging lately pre-election and with COVID. I was so tired of things dividing people, so my hope is that my art can unite people. Regardless of background and age, I think that everyone can have an appreciation for art,” Enowitz said. “What I want is for people to smile again, and just to see that there can be a silver lining with all the negativity since COVID.”
Described as an abstract expressionist artist, Enowitz uses acrylic paint to flow forming, cascading drips and marbling effects with glitter in vivid and bright hues to evoke happiness, optimism, and positivity. Her work is usually done on large, five foot canvases, and one piece can take several days to complete.
Enowitz’s art on display at the First Bank of Greenwich. (contributed photo)
Enowitz’s inspiration comes from the imaginative minds of children. Even though her art is commissioned by adults who want to add some fun to their homes, Enowitz said they always come back to tell her how their child was mesmerized by it.
First Bank of Greenwich President and CEO, Frank Gaudio, heard about Enowitz’s paintings at the J House. Gaudio, a big supporter of the arts and music in Fairfield and Westchester County, contacted Enowitz to see if he could get some of her work on display in his Cos Cob branch.
In the past, pre-COVID, Gaudio held art exhibits to showcase local artists.
“I’m very grateful, because with the coronavirus going around, it’s been kind of depressing for people. Marla’s artwork is uplifting and colorful,” Gaudio said.
The bank recently installed walk-up windows for customers to limit in-person visits, so Gaudio wanted something to brighten the inside of the bank. He repainted the walls, and now has five pieces from Enowitz’s collection on display, a matching set of three new works, and 10 mini-canvases.
While customers are still allowed in by appointment only, Gaudio is hoping one day soon more people can come in and see the newly decorated building.
“It’s uplifting for us spiritually. The customers haven’t had a chance to enjoy it, only the ones that come in for appointments. But I’m looking forward to the day where we can open the doors and her artwork will be up,” Gaudio said.
Enowitz said her art is a form of medicine for herself, too, and she uses it as a way to collect her thoughts.
“And then when I’m done with the piece, to be able to share that with people and have them look inside themselves and say, ‘Wow, this makes me smile, things can be bright…’ Just that two-way street of me enjoying my work, but then being able to share it with other people [is what I love],” Enowitz said. “I want my heart to be accessible to everybody. It’s just my way to give back. It’s very fulfilling.”
For more information on Enowitz and her art, go to marlabethdesigns.com and @marlabeth_designs on Instagram.
Richard Kaufman, general assignment reporter at the Sentinel, graduated from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., in 2011 with a degree in journalism/communications. Having grown up in nearby Westchester County, Richard is familiar with the area and everything it has to offer. To get in contact with Richard, you can email him at richard@greenwichsentinel.com
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December 03, 2020 at 11:40PM
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Local Artist Aims to Brighten the World - Greenwich Sentinel
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