Marla Wood
Entrepreneurial Artist / Artistic Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurial Artist / Artistic Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
Travel
Marla comes from a long line of nomadic people. As with many 20th century American families living in the western US, her people have been on the move looking for something better or seeking adventure for generations. Marla has been traveling extensively since birth and longs to be on the road learning and stretching in the way that only spontaneous travel can teach.
Her favorite travel destinations are in central Italy. As a high school student, Marla first visited Europe while studying in France. She had already found her passion for art history, so it's no surprise that the holidays they took in Italy sparked her life-long adoration for the Italian Renaissance and the unique culture of Tuscany.
For 20 years she has been exploring the highways and hidden treasures of this region. Marla shares her knowledge and expertise as a guide and through consultation. She offers some language lessons and helps build itineraries.
"It gives me great pleasure to help fellow travelers - especially those embarking on their first visit to a new place - get the most out of any trip. It's especially exciting to share my love of Italy and see that same sparkle in someone else when I introduce them to the land of my beloved Botticelli."
Marla comes from a long line of nomadic people. As with many 20th century American families living in the western US, her people have been on the move looking for something better or seeking adventure for generations. Marla has been traveling extensively since birth and longs to be on the road learning and stretching in the way that only spontaneous travel can teach.
Her favorite travel destinations are in central Italy. As a high school student, Marla first visited Europe while studying in France. She had already found her passion for art history, so it's no surprise that the holidays they took in Italy sparked her life-long adoration for the Italian Renaissance and the unique culture of Tuscany.
For 20 years she has been exploring the highways and hidden treasures of this region. Marla shares her knowledge and expertise as a guide and through consultation. She offers some language lessons and helps build itineraries.
"It gives me great pleasure to help fellow travelers - especially those embarking on their first visit to a new place - get the most out of any trip. It's especially exciting to share my love of Italy and see that same sparkle in someone else when I introduce them to the land of my beloved Botticelli."
Investments
Marla is Vice-President of Westwood Properties, Inc., a real estate investment and management business.
Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Marla learned the ins-and-outs of business at a very young age. While the arts are the source of her inspiration and passion, Marla found real estate investment to be a wonderful outlet for her natural business acumen.
"I have found over the years that business is business whether I'm managing a fine art gallery or remodeling a commercial building. These experiences not only help me to counsel fellow business owners in myriad industries, but they help me to be a better manager in the various community organizations for whom I volunteer."
Arts
Marla has been working in museums and galleries for over 15 years. The Blue Pig Gallery is a unique art oasis tucked in the heart of Colorado fruit and wine country. As co-owner and managing partner, Marla supports the creative expression of more than 40 regional artists working in all styles and media. Founded in 2007, the gallery was awarded Business of the Year just six months after the doors opened. The Blue Pig serves as an art center hosting art workshops, community education and special events for area charities and community groups.
"Setting up and developing this business from scratch has been a challenging creative endeavor. The greatest rewards have been seeing the community connect through art and educating a population on the value of original art from exception professional artists who choose to work and live outside of the mainstream urban arts market."
