Creative Couples ° Partners in Art ° Partners in Life
Couples who share a home and share creative passions navigate their relationship and their art in unique ways. Some duos collaborate and create pieces of art together. Others work in distinct mediums, but use their artistic experience to consult with the other, offering suggestions and support.
This exhibition explores the ways creative partners interact, inspire and enhance each other’s creative process. How does one keep a sense of self, yet encourage the other, whether working together or in separate studios? Does having two creative people in the house bring inventive thinking to other areas of their life? Nineteen creative couples share their unique works of art in many mediums and offer insight into their inspirational interactions.
Featured Artists
Katherine Anderson & Steve Anderson
Rosemary Bauer & Mike Bauer
Nancy Becker & Len Chmiel
Margaret Bertrand & Robert Dodge
Lois Charles & Peter Charles
Charlotte D’Aigle & Carl Berney
Julie Dunn & Roger Combs
Abigail Gumbiner & Peter Holmes
Leslie Hannon & Mike Hannon
Kelly Johnson & Leonard Johnson
Sheri Klein & Jim Tyler
Carol Mortensen & Richard Mortensen
Jean Obermeier & Wade Smith
Jami Ray & Josh Talbott
Barbara Rosenthal & Rosey Rosenthal
Editha Hayes Spencer & Harold Spencer
Mary Summers & Kerry Drager
Peggy Vrana & Michael Miller
Stephanie Wilbanks & Ken Wilbanks
Curator's Statement by Stephanie Wilbanks
As recent migrants to this inspiring Central Coast, we endeavored to get to know local artists. We noticed that several couples we met were both artists, often creating in completely different mediums. Many had led successful careers in varied creative fields before they settled into fine art. This interested me as my husband, Ken, and I ran an advertising/marketing consultancy in Phoenix, working together for several decades. I was intrigued by the unique styles of art, the fascinating life stories and the natural cooperation between artistic couples in all aspects of their lives. I thought about the implicit level of trust in accepting constructive criticism from each other. I began musing about an exhibition of creative couples and mentioned it to Ken Wilbanks and Sasha Irving. They instantly saw the possibilities and the concept of pARTners was launched! Like creative couples, this exhibition is a collaboration between the three of us.
Exhibition Related Special Events
Art After Dark Paso
Saturday, February 2: 6-9 pm
Love and Work
Art Talk presented by Art Historian/Lecturer Tess Wright
Saturday, February 9: 3 pm
