Published: August 27, 2008 06:52 pm         

Wine, cheese reception to welcome new spa, salon director

You don’t have to be a member of The Resort at Glade Springs or staying on the property to take advantage of its world-class spa services. And Sunday, you certainly don’t have to be a member or staying there to meet the internationally renowned stylist who will soon be opening his own hair and makeup studio there.

In fact, you don’t even have to be a member or staying there to take advantage of those services once Studio M. opens in September.

Monte Ray Durham, an Oak Hill native who has made his niche in the style world though his work as an artistic director and national trainer with Elizabeth Arden spas and salons, will be the guest of honor at a wine and cheese reception Sunday afternoon welcoming him as the resort’s new spa director and operator of Studio M.

Both places, he and spa coordinator Gwen Dillon stressed, are always open to anyone.

Durham’s work has been featured on the pages of such publications as Elegant Bride, Martha Stewart Living, Town & Country, InStyle Magazine and other national publications, and Glade seems thrilled to have him.

“We are so excited to have him at the spa and to have him opening his new salon,” Dillon said.

Dillon said Sunday’s reception promises to be as enlightening as it is relaxing.

“Monte is so knowledgeable about skin care and hair,” she said. “This is an opportunity for anyone to come and meet him.”

The reception also welcomes Carla Cooley, who will introduce event-goers to the latest among the B. Kamins chemist line of products now featured at Spa Orange.

A 30-minute meet-and-greet with Durham and Cooley will be followed by short presentations by the two experts. Afterward, visitors will have the opportunity to make appointments, if they desire.

“Studio M. is all about memorable hair and make-up,” Durham said. “The concept behind the studio is just traditional cuts and colors and styling with a definite edge to them.”

Shiny hair, natural-looking curls, brilliant colors and styles that move gracefully with the wind will be available to anyone, he said.

“It’s not about uppity,” Durham stressed. “It’s quality service at a quality price at a quality location in an environment that is comfortable for all who enter.”

But comfortable doesn’t mean a staff wearing flip-flops and tank tops; Durham said his salon, once it’s fully staffed, will meet and exceed high quality dress code and service standards. And for those who think such a place doesn’t belong in West Virginia, he says think again.

“We do ourselves an injustice when people say that,” he said.

Sunday’s free event begins at 2 p.m. on the terrace at The Inn at Glade Springs.

— E-mail: bnaudrey@register-herald.com