By Maria Leichty
A familiar name is returning to downtown Zionsville.
Local artist Susie Rachles has returned to Zionsville to sell her work this year after opening a studio in Carmel Arts and Design District last summer. Before that, Rachles Fine Art Gallery was in Zionsville for eight years. .
Down the road from her old studio sits the boutique, Delaney’s Shoppe, on the corner of Main and Pine Streets. Owner Mary Lawson started selling Rachles paintings at the beginning of the month.
“I moved back because it wasn’t a good fit [in Carmel],” Rachles said. “I am too much of a Zionsville girl.”
Rachles’ paintings overlook the Zionsville Eagles shirts, trendy outfits, jewelry, and holiday decorations inside Delaney’s.
She said her favorite things to paint are figurative pieces, landscapes and wildlife.
Her most recent painting, named “Majestic Light,” portrays a Montana elk inspired by her recent trip to Yellowstone National Park. This 30-by-30-inch canvas hangs above the fireplace near a Christmas tree. The price is $3,200.
Lawson said she likes having local artists’ work in her store.
“I was a little nervous about the price point but it’s going to work because she has a customer base here,” she said.
“Majestic Light” along with six other paintings are now for sale at Delaney’s.
“I have the pictures to make the store look pretty,” Lawson said. “People love pretty and beautiful and that’s what type of environment I try to create in stores.”
On Nov. 20, there will be a “Meet the Artist” open house in Delaney’s for Rachles, who will be there from noon to 8 p.m.
Rachles’ studio is at her house a few minutes from Delaney’s. She has six students and offers workshops every other Thursday.
She also showcases her work in the Castle Gallery in Fort Wayne.
Rachles said her favorite thing about painting is the use of color and the most important thing is the eyes.
“All the life and spirit is in the eyes and if you can’t capture that then don’t waste your paint,” she said.
