Dana Marx finds peace in her art

Dana Marx is shining light and bringing peace through her art.

Originally from Hattiesburg, MS, Marx found herself in Starkville for college where she majored in marketing. Soon after, she began working at local women's boutique, LA Green, where she has been for the past 9 nine years, but that's not all Marx has been up to.

Marx is a painter by trade and by passion. She talked about how, since she was a little girl she had a love for art that only grew as she got older.

“I've always loved art,” said Marx. “I took some classes in high school and that got me really interested in it. Then, around five years ago I decided to start my little side business.”

For many, art is a form of meditation, and Marx is no exception. She explained that art was a peaceful process for her that brought a personal connection with her religion. A member of Pinelake Church, Marx noted that her beliefs were important to her, and that she hoped that others would feel the same calmness and joy when viewing her artwork that she felt while making it.

“I think, for me personally, it's like a form of worship. It's how I connect to God,”

Marx explained. “A lot of my pieces are Christ-centered. I want people to feel a sense of peace and calm and joy when they see my work, and that's why I really like to work with watercolor.”

When asked about her future plans, Marx said she has no plans to leave Starkville any time soon and that she has grown fond of the community and everything it has to offer.

“Starkville has grown a lot since I've been in college,” she explained, “and I feel like it's such a good small community but also it's growing. There are so many exciting new things to come.”

She noted that some of her biggest supporters have been found through her work at LA Green, and that through selling her art in the store as well as working there for so many years, she has developed a strong relationship with people in the community as well as her fellow workers.

“Lauren Ann Cooper, the owner of LA Green, has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and been a really big encourager,” Marx noted. “She has helped me put myself out there with my art and encouraged me so much over the years and I'm grateful to her for that.”

You can find her art at LA Green, located at 117 E Main Street or on her instagram (@ artbydmdesigns).