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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-states. In addition to this update from Maquoketa, Iowa, we will share additional developments in Tuesday’s edition.
MAQUOKETA, Iowa — Through the various business undertakings of Naser and Patricia Shahrivar, there has been a common denominator: art.
And for the lifelong creatives, their newest venture in Maquoketa is no different.
D’Arte Manor Gallery and B&B combines the Shahrivars’ experience operating a hospitality business with providing a place to display their art, for which they have received various accolades over the years.
The Italianate Victorian brick home on Maquoketa’s Second Street sits near downtown and offers six comfortable bedrooms decorated with the couple’s creations.
“It’s a perfect place to have a gallery,” Naser Shahrivar said. “We love the house. It is a beautiful home.”
The Shahrivars’ work has taken them to various places around eastern Iowa, all while continuing to produce their art and creative work, which includes portraits and landscapes by Patricia and abstracts and small-town panoramas by Naser — including of Iowa towns such as Manchester, Guttenberg, Elkader and Dyersville. Many of these pieces are on display in D’Arte Manor, which means “Art” Manor in Italian.
Before starting their most recent adventure in Maquoketa, the Shahrivars renovated and then operated Old Brewery Bed & Breakfast in Guttenberg for nearly 20 years. After that, the couple purchased three downtown buildings in Central City and rehabilitated them and turned them into a gift shop and art gallery.
Their movements are inspired by their art, which is partially why Maquoketa proved to be their next destination.
“We came to the Maquoketa Art Experience to a show,” Patricia said. “The town and people are wonderful and very welcoming and friendly. Everyone said we should move here. … We wanted to be a part of the artist community here. There’s never a dull moment. They have so much to offer in this community.”
When the home on Second Street went up for sale, they knew it was meant for them.
All the rooms in the bed and breakfast have queen beds and are themed, Patricia said. One room on the main floor is dubbed the “Traveling King’s Room” and has a whirlpool bathtub. Another room is the “Arts Master room” and features a bay window. Yet another room follows a “Cinderella” theme.
Guests are treated to a homemade breakfast menu that varies throughout stays and includes blueberry waffles, omelets, muffins, French toast, bacon and other offerings.
A grand opening is slated for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 6.
To book a room at the home, located at 311 S. Second St. in Maquoketa, call or text 319-551-8343 or email artandgiftcenter@hotmail.com. For more information about the Shahrivars’ art, visit e-artpro.com.