Nearly all creatures and plants release chemicals that can drive others of the species to aggression ... or a sexual frenzy.

Humans have sought to replicate the power of pheromones through perfumes and colognes, without true success. By design, insects use pheromones in ways that are incomprehensible to most.

While Salem resident and artist Christopher Marley may not be trying to woo the opposite sex with his creations, his new Pheromones Gallery at 255 Liberty St. NE is attracting a buzz of a different sort.

Marley doesn’t work with paint, clay, bronze, chalk or any other medium. His creations focus on the natural realm, showcasing the abundance of insects from around the world.

The gallery features insects large and small, rare and common, eternally preserved and mounted into shadowbox frames. There are collections of brightly colored beetles, individual flying insects, and even crabs that have (with) long spindly legs that look like they are ready to reach out and take hold of the nearest wall ... or arm.

“I actually had a lifelong fear of insects,” Marley said with a laugh. “I [worked] in fashion for 15 years and had a lot of bad bug experiences.

“One day I had a chance to look at some beetles ... and I was floored by their perfect design,” he added. “As a designer, I started looking at their structure and engineering. It was a bit of a leap, but I was able to incorporate that into what I was doing. It was truly diverse and gave me some new and unusual ideas.”

This newfound interest in insects led him to design a few art pieces that he placed around his home. After prodding by some friends, he took examples of his work to stores in Southern California. He sold many pieces and a new endeavor was born.

If one can get over the creepy crawlies from looking at insects, the gallery is a great way to enjoy the artistic properties of insects and even learn about them. Below every piece are descriptions of the creatures' inside.

The gallery is designed to be educational, as well as a place where people can buy production and one-of-a-kind works. It is open and simple, with large windows allowing enough sunshine to enter and reflect off the golds, purples, reds, lavenders, blues, greens and other colors that make up the tapestry of each insect.

For those not entranced by long-dead bugs, Marley also has a variety of minerals that are display-mounted.

To keep up with orders, Marley has teams of employees who travel around the world working with indigenous people to collect the insects. He works to ensure none of the insects are endangered and that locals are paid fair wages for they work.

“This is really one of the only sustainable rainforest crops there is,” he said. “You almost can’t over-collect an insect species as long as their habitat and host plant [are] healthy.”

In addition to his gallery, his work is sold through retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Williams-Sonoma Home, Gumps and Barney’s.

While many may wonder why Marley chose Salem to open his gallery, Marley said it was really a no-brainer for him.

"There is a feeling that Salem has been relegated to conventional retail,” he said. “I don’t agree. My experience has been that if you can bring beautiful things to wherever the people are, they will enjoy it.” He also said it is the type of gallery that can appeal to anyone, of nearly any age.

“This is a manifestation of the radical diversity that is present around the world,” he said. “We want to bring people to this place that most people aren’t aware exists.”