Walking into StevMark on Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, you immediately get the sense that every piece of art on the wall has a story. And that’s no accident.
Owners Mike & Carole Harvell have curated a collection that feels a world apart from the generic prints you might find in a waiting room or big-box store. Here, every piece of art is chosen with intention—carefully selected not only for its beauty, but for its connection to this region, to the people who walk through the doors and to the feeling of home.
Art That Speaks to You
At StevMark, the guiding philosophy is simple: art should feel personal.
“We don’t want what you’d see in a dentist’s office,” Carole says with a laugh. “We want something that speaks to you, that you can imagine living with every day.” That means originals, not mass-produced prints and pieces by individual artists whose work tells a story—whether that’s a soft Midwestern landscape, a pair of mallards on the water or a peaceful still life that makes you pause.
Some of these stories are especially unique—like the collection of art school sketches Carole discovered in an antique store in Vermont while on vacation. These charcoal and pencil studies were likely created by students at a fine arts academy decades ago. They’re unsigned, anonymous and quietly gorgeous. There’s something raw and real about them—the kind of imperfection that makes a piece feel alive. Instead of being forgotten in an attic, these sketches now hang in StevMark, given a second life through thoughtful custom framing and presentation.
You’ll find art from across the country—including a few carefully chosen pieces from the Leonard Collection in Georgia that specializes in wildlife, landscape and still life work. But even then, the StevMark team filters each piece through a local lens: “Does this feel like Missouri? Does this feel like us?” Coastal scenes might be beautiful, but they’re not what StevMark shoppers are usually looking for.
Local Artists, Local Stories
StevMark is proud to support and showcase the work of local artists—those whose creativity is rooted in the same landscapes and rhythms as the people who walk through the door.
Currently, two local artists have a strong presence in the store, each bringing something distinct to the mix.
One of them is Dr. Robert Ward, a longtime contributor whose tranquil Midwestern landscapes and thoughtfully composed scenes help anchor the collection. While Carole usually requests regional work, one of his standout pieces is a beach scene featuring a woman walking alone—a painting that draws frequent compliments and quiet reflection from visitors.
And then there’s Bella Olga, whose work introduces a completely different energy. Her fluid, movement-driven paintings are colorful, bold, and full of emotion. Bella’s style is expressive and modern, often abstract, inviting viewers to experience her work more than “understand” it in any traditional sense. It’s the kind of art that stirs something visceral, offering a counterpoint to the realism and nature-inspired pieces elsewhere in the store.
Together, artists like Robert and Bella reflect the range of emotion and perspective that StevMark values—because just like the people who come in, no two pieces are the same.
Choosing Art for Your Home: A Personal Journey
If you’ve ever stood in a store, staring at a blank spot on your wall and wondering what should go there—you’re not alone. Choosing art for your home can be overwhelming. But Carole believes it shouldn’t be.
“It should feel like choosing something you’re going to live with—like a good chair or a favorite mug,” she says. “It’s not about matching your pillows. It’s about what you want to see every day when you walk in the room.”
That’s why StevMark encourages shoppers to take their time, ask questions, and explore. Art doesn’t need to match perfectly. It needs to matter.
Already Have the Perfect Piece? Let’s Frame It
Of course, not every piece you love will come from StevMark—and that’s where their custom framing services come in.
Whether you’ve picked up a piece on vacation, inherited something meaningful from a loved one, or finally printed that photo that’s been sitting in your phone, StevMark can help you give it the frame it deserves. With expert guidance, premium materials, and an eye for what enhances (not overwhelms) the art, their custom framing service is the perfect way to honor the pieces you already love.
Come See What Speaks to You
At StevMark, art is never just decoration. It’s a connection—a memory, a moment, a story. Whether you’re looking for something new or framing something old, the team is here to help you bring a little more heart into your home.
Come by, take your time, and find the piece that speaks to you.