“Taking over an iconic and historic store like Cooper Gallery was both a new challenge to me as far as actual retail is concerned but the passing of the torch was one that I felt was much easier for me,” says Adamo. “Marilynn trusted and believed in me to carry on the torch but at the same time make the space anew and allow me to build on her creative endeavor. It was deeply emotional for us both, Marilynn closing a wonderful chapter in her life and me jumping into a brick and mortar business. I believe that Cooper Gallery was like one of her children and home for over 30 years. She really enjoyed the people that would come through the doors and considered them like guests in her home rather than potential customers.”

“The inspiration in the exhibited work and portfolio has to hit a few key criteria. First and most importantly is a personal impact or reaction. Something only art can ignite in one's heart and mind. It can be a good feeling or an unpleasant one. They are both the same. It is an emotional response that connects the viewer to the work. The fear and inhibition most inexperienced viewers have is the ability to describe and properly connect their feelings with what they're experiencing and being able to communicate that.

“Second, is the work built on a solid foundation of experiences. By that we mean is there a lineage of work that got the artists to this time and place, or is there a body of work that justifies and strengthens the work itself.”