We were lucky to catch up with Emily Mervis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Local Canvas started from a really personal place for me. I have always loved art, but it wasn’t until I started painting myself that I truly discovered the beauty and talent within my own community. It opened my eyes to this incredible, often unseen world of emerging artists who pour their hearts into their work and don’t always have access to a platform to share it. My background is in business, and I felt comfortable helping market these artists so they could have more time to do what they do best, create. I was inspired by my art teacher to create Local Canvas as a space where original affordable art is accessible to everyone while also giving local artists the recognition and support they deserve. I am passionate about this because it’s not just about selling art, it’s also about creating a community where artists feel valued and people can experience art in a more personal and relatable way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I spent over 15 years working in fashion brands such as: Bloomingdales, Gucci, J.Crew, Madewell and Free People. I have always had a passion for buying and merchandising but it wasn’t until I started painting that I truly fell in love with art. I live in a home with white walls because I was overwhelmed and intimated by the art world. Now that I was finally exposed to local artists in Westchester, I wanted to allow others the same opportunity. That is how Local Canvas was born. I wanted to create a space where people could discover and purchase affordable, one-of-a-kind artwork while supporting local artists. I curate collections from a diverse community of creators making the process of buying art easy and approachable.

One of the biggest challenges for both artists and art lovers is finding a way to connect. Local Canvas solves that by bringing these two worlds together and helping artists reach a new audience while allowing our clients a chance to purchase unique original art without the intimidating price tag.

What sets us apart is the work we are doing to build a community and share the stories behind these pieces of art. We not just selling art, we are creating connections. We have hosted events and will continue to do so this year to spread the word. If I could share one thing with potential clients, it’s that we are more than just a business. Local Canvas is a passion projected rooted in a love for art and admiration for our local art community with a goal of sharing this with a broader audience.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Right now, the best source of new clients for Local Canvas has been through community connections and word of mouth. One of my favorite parts of being a business owner is meeting new people and building these new business relationships. I have collaborated by hosting events, posting on local facebook pages and attending local art shows. Social media has also played a big role. I share stories behind the pieces and feature the artists and share a lot from my pov of working in this industry.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Starting my own business was a major shift from my corporate life in fashion. Local Canvas has been built from the ground up and has not been easy. I face lots of challenges such as entering a new industry, curating a collection to resonate with my clients, building a brand identity and finding the right artists for that brand. The community of artists I have built illustrated my resilience. I have their belief and trust in me to represent them which makes me want to preserver through any uncertainty.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thelocalcanvas.com
• Instagram: @local.canvas
• Other: [email protected]