February 27, 2025
Pearl River, NY, – For Kevin Murphy and Margaret Dowling-Murphy of Murphy Wood Art , this year marks their 20th wedding anniversary as well as their 5th year in business together. Their business anniversary in March coincides with a month filled with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, fitting given their strong Irish-American heritage, an influence seen in much of their work.
“We have navigated marriage and parenthood together with some success, so we figured we would add another dimension by starting a business together,” quipped Kevin humorously.
As the pandemic was unfolding in 2020, the two had just begun collaborating, merging Kevin’s woodworking skills with Margaret’s artistic background. The business unfolded, fueled by growing interest amongst friends, family, and the surrounding community. The two found themselves conducting a careful symphony comprised of their children’s schedules, other jobs, and the trials of entrepreneurial life. “None of this is for the faint of heart, but we have never really done anything the easy way. Our days are filled with wins, disappointments, struggles, and occasional tears, and that’s all before our second cup of coffee. That said, we want our kids to see us following our passions and working hard even when it’s difficult,” adds Margaret.
Longtime followers of their work have witnessed their gradual evolution and elevation as they ventured into new mediums and got better at their respective crafts. “It’s not just wood art,” adds Margaret who works across a variety of mediums including woodburning, resin, acrylic, and oils. She focuses primarily on nature and ocean-inspired themes, while Kevin has been focusing mostly on custom flags, signs, and mountain art, often using reclaimed wood. While they often create independently, they also collaborate to create a unique fusion of styles.
Since they started, they have grown a loyal following of repeat customers, leveraging their in-person community as well as their online one across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. In addition to showcasing their work at street fairs across Rockland and Bergen Counties, they have also increased their presence in storefronts stretching from Rockland to the Jersey Shore. “Our website allows people to access our work from wherever they are in the country, but a presence in retail stores allows new clients to discover our work in person. The more we can get our work in front of people, the better,” said Margaret.
Their work and story have also drawn attention from the media including News12’s Katerina Belales who sat down with them in June for her series, “Made in the Hudson Valley." Additionally, Margaret published an article about their business in The Irish Echo in April 2024. Previously, their story has been featured by News12 Hudson Valley, Rockland County Times, Hudson Valley Magazine, Canvas Rebel Magazine, Bold Journey, Shoutout Colorado, Irish Star, and Redfin.
As a member of the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR), Margaret has taken part in several exhibits in Rockland County including those at the Palisades Center, Rockland County Courthouse, and theNew City Library. She has also exhibited her work at the West Nyack Library, Pearl River Library, and has exhibits scheduled for this spring and summer at the Piermont and Nyack Libraries.
Follow their work on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok and see more on their website at www.MurphyWoodArt.com. To receive periodic updates regarding upcoming events and shows, product releases, and discounts, join their list.
@MurphyWoodArt
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Great people, great work! Congratulations on another year in business!