Maruva DQ, Inc.
The mission of Maruva DQ, Inc. is to uplift and share the traditions and positive beauty of African American art and culture with the world through fine art and art licensing.Two sisters, Marcella Hayes Muhammad on the right and Dianne Hayes Quarles on the left, teamed up to create the "Maruva DQ look." Inspired by the traditions beauty and rich spirit of our culture, we create a look of elegance and dignity that can be shared and enjoyed by people of all cultures.
The name, Maruva, represents 4 generations of creative African American women:
MA - Marcella (the primary artist & founder)
RU - Ruth (our mother, our greatest cheerleader and still designing with us)
VA - Virginia (our great-grandmother, a run-away slave who started her own design shop)
We know Momma Jenney looks over us
DQ - Dianne (sister, partner and designer)The company was founded by Marcella Hayes Muhammad in 1995 as Maruva Studio, a sole proprietorship, selling her fine art originals and prints. In 2000, Dianne Quarles joined the company which was then incorporated as Maruva DQ, Inc. In 2002, Maruva DQ, Inc. expanded
into art licensing as a way to reach a broader market and bring the African American perspective to the mainstream market.
The Sisters and Their Heritage
They come from a family rich in history and culture. Their father, Col. Harold C. Hayes, began his Air Force career as a Tuskegee Airman. The same passion and that made him want to prove that black men could fly was the same passion that he instilled in them to always be the absolute best in everything they do. Their mother, Ruth Hayes, graduated with honors from the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago when few African Americans were able to attend. With her pioneering spirit she taught them a means of expression through art. Their family and African American culture were their foundation as they traveled with the military across the United States, Europe and the Orient experiencing various places and cultures.
"We grew up in a creative and artistic home. We turned our imaginations into reality by designing and making our own clothes, home décor, stationary and gifts. Decorative items that spoke to our culture were lacking in retail stores so we did like so many other African Americans do and improvised. We mastered the art of transforming generic products into creations with the flavor of our own African American culture. Constant requests from friends and customers convinced us to venture into art licensing to provide manufacturers with art that reflects another view of American culture. We want to be able to go into major retail stores and buy accessories and home décor that speaks to our culture. We want others to be able to share in the beauty of our culture as well."
Marcella went on to study visual art, polishing her skills in painting and ceramics. Dianne studied Home Economics, polishing her skills in design, textiles and administration. They are now blessed to be able to realize their childhood dream of combining their experience and talents to share the beauty, spirit and positive energy of their cultural heritage and traditions with the entire world through the creative expression of the visual arts.
"We want our art on more than just a wall. We want our art on gift ware, home décor, stationary, jewelry, and every surface imaginable throughout the world by way of art licensing. We are confident that our traditions in art can fly with the best in the market today."Maruva DQ Inc. in the Community
Maruva DQ, Inc. is actively involved with several non-profit organizations in bringing emerging African American artists and seasoned artists into the licensing arena. They strive to bridge the gap between manufacturers and African American artists. The company has contributed to numerous national and local arts organizations to promote African American art and artists including The Birmingham Civil Rights Museum, African Americans for the Arts, Hammond House, Hampton University Museum, Girls Inc., and the Southwest Fulton County Arts Center to name a few.Marcella's Biography . . .
Dianne's Biography . . .
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Maruva DQ Inc. • Decatur, GA 30034
www.maruvadq.com • info@maruvadq.com
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