HAMPTON -- In old-fashioned Yankee terms, driving two hours a day to go to work is a long, long way.

So, Marilyn Rishkovski brought her business a little closer to home. Art Experience was open for business in Bedford, just outside of Manchester, for more than 20 years. Marilyn was living there with her family at the time when she first opened the doors back in 1982.

But when she and her husband relocated to Hampton 12 years ago, she kept her shop in Bedford and commuted an hour each way, every day, to go to work.

Now, to the benefit of the entire Seacoast community, she's brought Art Experience to Hampton, and will soon be hosting a must-see grand opening celebration with a true flair for the arts.

On Friday evening, September 26, from 6-8 p.m., Marilyn will welcome Seacoast art lovers to her new store, located at 17 High Street in Hampton.

"It's really going to be a lot of fun," Marilyn says, while seated at her antique desk near the front of the shop, surrounded by artistic works and framing supplies as a gentle hum of classical music fills the air.

Although the doors officially opened at Art Experience in mid-August, the grand opening celebration will give Marilyn a chance to show off all her wares - and the public a chance to experience some of the finest New Hampshire talents.

Renown artist Ken Fiery will be at the event, along with a number of his heralded small-town-life paintings, to discuss his work and his inspirations and executions as an artist.

What's more, the ever-popular local writer Michael Bisceglia will be a guest author at the celebration, to discuss his new book, a fictional piece based on fact, about a middle school teacher who "goes the extra mile" to help his students exceed, despite their disabilities.

As if that weren't enough, Marilyn has also invited guest musician Susan Howland to entertain the guests with her unlimited talent as a harpist.

Refreshments will be served as well, as guests can take some time to learn about all that Art Experience has to offer.

The store specializes in preserving and presenting cherished artwork in the finest manner possible.

Marilyn strolls across the office and motions to three different panels of framing glass, and points specifically to the style in the middle, known as "museum glass," which not only reduces glare, but also comes with ultra-violet ray protection, which guarantees the owner that the artwork will not fade away in time.

"I use it 99-percent of the time for framing. Anything that is valuable enough to frame is valuable enough that you want to protect it," she explains.

Art Experience offers up seemingly limitless professional framing

options for any heirloom or artwork you want presented and preserved.

What's more, Marilyn is also a dealer in original artwork and fine reproductions. Don't see it on the wall? She can find it.

"I had a woman who came in the other day, who wanted a copy of a painting. She had seen the painting in a movie, hanging on the wall in the background, but didn't know the name of the movie or the painting," Marilyn says, and goes on to explain how the woman described the painting to her. With that, Marilyn went about searching for it on the internet. "I think I found it," Marilyn says with a smile.

Art Experience offers original artwork by New England artists who successfully capture the familiar landscapes with their paints and brushes. In addition, limited edition prints, original graphics, and sculpture by nationally-known artists serves up a variety of artwork from which to choose at the store.

Those who are in the market for a print that has been sold out will find that Art Experience can provide assistance, because Marilyn has access to the secondary market for such prints, and has the resources to find whatever image that is being sought.

When you finally get that print you've been wanting for your special spot on the wall, Art Experience offers the best custom framing anywhere, with a wide selection of mats and frames to help you update cherished family photographs, or properly present your newfound treasures.

In addition, you'll find artist shows and art consulting at Art Experience, to make your experience in the world of art the best that it can be.

Stop by Hampton's newest shop and meet Marilyn at Art Experience Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be sure to mark the calendar for the big grand opening celebration as well and, in the meantime, learn more about Art Experience by calling (603) 926-0443 or visit www.artexperienceinc.com.