Mars Landing Galleries was conceived by Miryam Rojas, an American-Peruvian originally from Rye, New York. Encountering endless artistic talent among many friends over so many years, Rojas aspired decades ago to “one day open an art gallery to just showcase their talents if nothing else.”  

As a child, Rojas eagerly read monthly Architectural Digest magazines, accompanied her father to antique auctions, and aspired to be an interior designer. By the age of 14, Rojas taught herself to interpret blueprints as the family renovated their 1924 Mediterranean Revival home. By the time she earned a B.A. with a Dual Major in Art History and Fine Arts, Rojas had already interned at a television network, production company, museum, art gallery, travel magazine, and prominent designer fabric showroom. 

Lured further down the coast after college, Rojas spent over 16 years freelancing as an Art Director in the Television and Film industry in South Florida. A persisting fascination with architecture and real estate coaxed her early on into a side hustle renovating commercial real estate. She most enjoyed rehabilitating properties and uncovering their potential and adding value to a neighborhood community. 

Western North Carolina was an immediate draw for Rojas due, in part, to the immensely collaborative and creative communities. With long waiting lists at many local art galleries, she noticed that many artists weren’t being seen and would not be for some time. Rojas imagined that Mars Hill, perfectly situated close to Asheville and among incredible arts communities, such as Toe River, Marshall, Weaverville, and Penland, could be a pivotal destination for both art enthusiasts and artists alike. And so, Mars Landing Galleries was born.