Art lovers

continued

residencies at the U-M. One of Joan Rosenblum’s Rothko-like pastels captured the couple’s hearts—but the $1,335 price was beyond their budget. “Why not ask your parents to buy it as a wedding gift?” suggested Marra hopefully. “That was medical school,” the husband replied. “Then a first-anniversary gift, perhaps?” Marra ventured. But they left on their bikes empty handed.

Suspecting they’d be back, Marra drove over to her other business, ArtSearch, which finds art for corporate clients. She picked up a larger Rosenblum, Do Re Mi, and brought it back to the gallery. Sure enough, the couple bought it when they returned, dressed up and ready to buy. “They came for the smaller one but left with a bigger one,” says Marra happily—adding, “I gave them a nice discount.”   

[Originally published in October, 2008.]