About Us

Marüshka was founded in 1971 by Richard Sweet, who left teaching High School art to follow his dreams of designing and hand-printing framed fabric wall art. Richard’s classic designs depicted the landscape, plants, and wildlife found along waterways and shorelines.

In 1976 Randy Smith, a former student of Richard’s, joined him as a screen printer. Randy became the company’s first salesman, driving to Florida, living and selling out of his station wagon. The hand-silk-screened designs quickly drew a national and international following. During the late 1970s, Marüshka also hand-printed custom fabric for the contract furniture industry. In the 1980s Marüshka developed the Michigan Rag brand apparel with its first product-a pair of teddy bear shorts. Later in the 2000s, Marüshka added the Lake Michigan Unsalted and Fishigan brands.

The company currently maintains an archive of over 3000 original designs. The original Marüshka prints with their simple, clean designs are presently experiencing a rebirth of popularity as collectibles. Sold in retail outlets throughout North America, Michigan Rag/ Marüshka products appeal to a broad range of ages. “Clothing with a sense of humor” is how Randy describes the designs. The 50+ year-old company still continues Marüshka’s commitment to designing and hand printing all the clothing and accessories it produces.

Click here to learn more about the History of Marüshka and the Tri-Cities Historical Museum in Grand Haven, Michigan 2021 exhibit FROM CONCEPT TO CLASSIC TEE: 50 Years of Screen Printed Art at Marüshka. Credit: Kate Crosby Tri-Cities Historical Museum