Rand & Melinda Kramer
The Art of a Beautiful Life
Stroll GP: Rand and Melinda, you both have had diverse experiences in business. How did each step bring you closer to Asheville?
Rand was a partner in a successful High-Tech company in Reston, Va and sold the company in 2012. I developed several historic real estate properties throughout Virginia. When our two children became adults, we had the opportunity to consider life re-invention and we headed to North Carolina.
For the very first time we were able to make a decision based on our own interests and not family responsibility. We felt at the time that living on a lake would be wonderful and we bought property and built an amazing home on Lake Glenville. We spent two years there and then decided to move to Asheville to be more involved in the arts.
Stroll GP: Rand, you recently opened your gorgeous new Art Gallery! How is your creative voice expressed on canvas?
The new gallery is centrally located in the River Arts District at 115 Roberts St., and I am pleased with showcasing a wide variety of my work in the gallery.
Previously, I have concentrated more on “contemporary” art which has been very well received. Currently I am finding my creative voice in more representational art, adding dimension to my overall body of work, which is rewarding.
Stroll GP: You have carved out a meaningful presence in the art scene here, is this as you envisioned?
We opened the Citron Gallery Downtown a few years ago to showcase Rand’s work and included several regional artists. It was successful however required full time management. So when invited to join the Gallery Melange, we transitioned there to concentrate on art. Rand enjoys being apart of this meaningful art community in Asheville.
Stroll GP: Melinda you are a renaissance woman! The Hotel Laurance in Luray, Virginia came into your life and you restored and operate the building as a boutique hotel, wedding and events venue. Why did you say “Yes” to the project?
I never really planned to do the projects I have taken on in my life, they simply unfolded as I went along. I have always greatly enjoyed renovating and redeveloping historic mixed use buildings that I felt became very important cornerstones to the unique needs of each specific community. I managed them all as well, apartments, coffee shops, antiques shop and doctor’s offices. The Hotel Laurance is my last connection with Virginia.
Stroll GP: You have restored your Grove Park home in such an impressive manner with thoughtful style, how was the process?
We are comfortable with older homes and renovation, and fell in love with our current home and its potential. There were challenges, yes – but it is a very comforting and a perfect fit.
Our home has been completely updated and designed to compliment the way we live, with its original design honored. It feels so comforting and we consider it a real privilege to live here. We love this neighborhood and find the lifestyle very convenient.
Stroll GP: Now you are watching your children create their own lives, how does that feel?
Every season in life seems to bring new and unexpected surprises. Both of our children have flourished as young adults, which makes us very happy. Our son is getting married this fall and lives in Stamford, CT. He and his future wife are both thriving in the financial world there.
Our daughter and her husband live in Japan. Her husband is currently a F-35 jet pilot stationed there and my daughter is successful with her own job involving electronic marketing. They are really enjoying Japan!
Stroll GP: In this season of life, what brings you the greatest happiness?
Simplicity. Living comfortably in a very wonderful community, and loving the beautiful climate in Asheville and the super culture and food!
115 Roberts Street, Asheville
703-901-2721
Photography By: @steveatkinsphotography