Their Walls: Marlee Katz Snow
The second instalment of series of Q&As with some ultra-cool art collectors, on what they live with, love, and why they buy.
I first met Marlee Katz Snow a few years ago when we were both wearing different hats. Marlee was running a gallery in Brooklyn, and I was deep in the art-meets-tech world at Peggy. Fast forward to today, and we’re each following new paths, but remain hyper-connected to art.
Marlee has always had an instinct for both objects and people. Her work lives at the intersection of curating and creative matchmaking: connecting artists with audiences, and creatives with brands who need fresh thinking.
Her own collection is a reflection of that same intuition. Every piece is tied to a memory—a relationship, a city, a moment in time. Each piece holds a connection, and Marlee has a way of making you feel it.
If we were chatting at a dinner party, how would you describe what you do?
I’d tell you I split my time between curating exhibitions that connect artists and ideas, and recruiting creative talent for brands that value fresh perspectives. Whether building a show or placing a designer, I’m constantly curating art and people.
How long have you been interested in art?
I’ve been drawn to art for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always drawing, sewing, and finding ways to be creative—I was definitely not a sports kid. Everything clicked when I took a summer course at FIT called Art in New York. We spent our days visiting galleries and learning from gallerists, and that’s when I knew I wanted to make the art world a part of my career.
What was the first piece of art you bought, and what about it made you want to live with it?
The first piece of art I bought was by Adrian Kay Wong from Uprise Art, at one of their salons. I wasn’t familiar with his work and hadn’t really thought about collecting before, but I immediately connected with the piece. It depicts two women sitting on a stoop, reminding me of me and my little sister. Something about it just felt right—I knew I wanted to live with it.
What was the last artwork you purchased, and what drew you to it?
The last piece I purchased was actually a commission from an artist I adore, Akiva Listman. My husband and I moved to Miami about a year ago, and Akiva paints these iconic New York scenes that really resonate. I had him capture snapshots of our old street in Brooklyn—our go-to spots like Carmine’s for pizza and Dunkin’ for morning coffee. The piece is so special and sentimental. It’s a beautiful reminder of where we spent 10 years of our lives.
Bonus: If your collection were a cocktail or beverage, what would it be?
I’d say our collection is a spritz—bright, refreshing, and layered. It’s all figurative and full of color, and I have a personal connection with each artist in the collection. Every piece has a story and a relationship behind it, which gives the collection a vibrant and meaningful energy, much like a perfectly mixed drink.
A huge thank you to Marlee for letting us peek inside her collection. If you take nothing else from this conversation, buy the piece that reminds you of your sister or seek out the work that holds special memories. Fill your space with artwork like it matters, because it really does.
Until next time…
xx Bronwyn
Further reading…
Lovely interview. It's a good reminder that art can be both valuable in the market and meaningful to the collector personally, or just the latter, if that's what's most important to you.