Since 2021, Mars Landing Galleries has been a standout gallery for the works of over 35 visual artists living and working in and around Western North Carolina. As a clear destination for art enthusiasts along with a newly expanding arts program, Mars Landing Arts Center (MLAC) debuts in 2026. Encompassing 9000 SF, MLAC will host art exhibits, performances, film screenings, and workshops, as well as provide affordable studios for artists.
Originally built in 1945 as a roller skating rink, the building boasts beautifully restored original Southern Maple hardwood floors, high exposed-wood ceilings, and a scenic location nestled one block off the historic Main Street of Mars Hill, NC. Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, Mars Hill is enveloped by rolling hills, picturesque old tobacco barns, pastures, flower farms, hiking trails, and is home to the Bailey Mountain Preserve.
Mars Landing Galleries was conceived by Miryam Rojas, a Peruvian-American originally from Rye, New York. Encountering endless talent among so many artist friends over many years, Rojas aspired decades ago to “one day open an art gallery to just showcase those 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 in 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 of renovating commercial real estate. She most enjoyed rehabilitating properties and uncovering their potential.
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 Spruce Pine, Marshall, Weaverville, and Burnsville, could be a pivotal destination for both art enthusiasts and artists alike. And so, Mars Landing was born.