The Origin of MARUKA
MARUKA first opened its doors to DC in June 2007, and represents the incarnation of a life long dream for Debra Agostini and Keith Kaye. With a sunny and welcoming gallery space upstairs and an attractive boutique on the main floor, Maruka provides a central depot to indulge in the rich beauty of life.
Whether you come to pamper your corporeal with our choice natural body products, pop your fashion with our unique jewelry selections, or expand your artistic creativity with our fine art exhibitions, we have built Maruka from our hearts for your enjoyment.
Originally encompassing a full Yoga & Healing Arts program upstairs, by 2009 the studio had expanded into a fine art gallery and event space--eventually limiting the reach of this discipline. And with the growth of our art exhibitions and event commitments, by 2010 we had rebranded and are now simply known as the... _____ MARUKA Gallery.
Meanwhile, the MARUKA Gallery has steadily developed into an expressive showcase for established and emerging artists alike. The gallery especially welcomes artists bridging the caribbean cultural experience, and seeks to provide an anchor for their art into the american market. See our Gallery Mission Statement for our vision for this space.
MARUKA takes its name from a black-water river in northwest Guyana, South America, where Debra spent many summers on her uncle's coconut estate. Maruka instills the tranquility and beauty of God's creation and embodies our soulful connection with the natural abundance of Mother earth.
...May life be as tranquil as the Maruka current!
[Maruka River, by Carl Anderson, 2011]