By LINDA KELLETT

C-S-E News Staff

CANAJOHARIE — Chris Marlowe is modest about the collection of arts and antiques housed at his new shop at 45 Church St. here

“I’m just a curator of old things,” said the owner of Gallery 63 of Canajoharie. “They were around before I was born, and I hope they’ll be around long after ... Art is history. I’ve always loved history. I love art.”

Marlowe, now in his late 40s, owns the shop with his wife, Cindy. On the early-December evening of Elves Night Out, when they were still painting the shop, Cindy said they were drawn to the community because of the Arkell Museum. She said, “We love Canajoharie and the Arkell Museum. It all started there. It drew us here.”

They celebrated their store’s grand opening on Jan. 4.

Its name was derived from their respective birth dates. “We were both born in 1963,” he said.

Marlowe said that he’s been collecting since he was in his early 20s. He’s been investing in fine art for about 10 years.

“I was in the Navy when I was 17,” he said, explaining that he’s been to Italy and Spain. “I had an interest in architecture and art when I was in the service. When I pulled into port, I’d tour the art museums or mansion galleries. The other guys my age would go to drink and raise hell. I’d go see the sights first and then go party.”

Marlowe, who also works as a construction project manager and carpenter, grew up in Potsdam and moved to the Mohawk Valley in 2002.

He has a diverse collection and purchased most everything at estate sales, house sales, and online. One such purchase is a painting of a girl kneeling in grass during the height of summer. In the background, a carousel spins and sailboats tac, giving the scene a holiday feel.

Marlowe said, “I saw the painting. It spoke to me. You can see the sails, the beach. It looks like a girl at church.”

Turning the painting over, the original label was still visible. He said, “I believe it was painted in 1947 by Elizabeth Horman. She was the president of the National Association of Women Artists.”

Marlowe said he’s also gone to other states to make a few purchases. Among the artists in his collection are Salvador Dali, Toulouse Lautrec, Edward Potthast and Marie Laurencin, he said.

He has works that vary widely in price, with some high-end pieces. Others are much more affordable. “We have a lot of ‘everyday’ paintings,” he said.

Marlowe said he’s researched each of the objects in the shop, listing auction results, artist biographies and other information. “We’re telling you everything about every piece,” he said.

Gallery 63 of Canajoharie, located at 45 Church St., is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Their web address is gallery63ofcanajoharie.com

For more information, call 775-6660.