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Mango Arts adds a new look to Central Ohio
Polaris store offers only quality hand-made products

By Dave Weissman, Columbus Wired 

Mango Arts is an Arts & Home Décor concept developed by Enrique Dominguez and Francisco Marziano. They have combined their skills and background to create a new and different retail store concept where Latin American culture, art and history are all integrated in one place.

Both Enrique and Francisco grew up in Caracas, Venezuela surrounded by family members involved in Arts. Over the years they traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica where they developed a passion for collecting folk art pieces.


They moved to Northern Cincinnati from Venezuela in January 2000 when they decided to pursue a business venture related to Latin American arts & home décor. 

They traveled to different regions of Mexico, Costa Rica and Venezuela during March and April of 2001. Pottery masters, glass blowers, painters and hand carved furniture artists were contacted and an initial order was placed.

They open their first specialty store on June 9, 2001 at Tri-County Mall. Their second followed on November 3rd at Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus, OH.  "It was a deal (rent-wise) we just could not pass up," said Enrique.

At Polaris, the store can be found right next to the Kauffman’s. You first notice the colorfoul arrangement with the glass front. The exposure is subperb.

The product mix has been carefully conceived by Enrique and Francisco. They deal directly with the artists and crafters. There are no middle man and/or traders in this operation. Enrique travels every 45 days and personally brings back shipments from Costa Rica and Venezuela

The cultural aspect has a transcending role behind the concept. Both Enrique and Francisco have Spaniard ancestry with several generations living in Venezuela. This mix is what makes Mango Arts interesting and diverse since Spanish influence in Latin American has been significantly important. 

Most products in the stores are uniquely hand made and/or one of a kind. Visitors will find an extended variety of items, going from the very rustic and colorful to the more elaborated and sophisticated. The concept evolves around the rich mixture of Latin America Culture and its people: Indians, Hispanics and African-Americans.

Products such as Oil Paintings, Wrought Iron & Wood Furniture, Blown Glass Vases, Mirrors, Pewter, Clay Pottery, Paper Flowers, Ceramicware, Wooden Kitchenware, Textiles and Silver Jewelry are currently displayed in the stores.

Mango Arts ultimate goal is to appeal to Central and Southern Ohio with a blend of colors, fragrances and sounds from the heart of Latin America.

We highly recommend that you stop by and take a look at the fabulous items at Mango Arts.

Mango Arts is at 1500 Polaris Parkway.  They can be reached by telephone at 614-844-6233 or by e-mail at mangoarts@ameritech.net.