Molly Nicklin: In 2002, I graduated from Millikin University (Decatur, IL) with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art. Having concentrated in charcoal nudes, I had few opportunities to continue my usual artwork outside of school. I started dabbling in acrylic painting, but never got too involved until one lovely Sunday in January 2006. That day, Luke and I did our first painting together, titled Chemistry. Since then, my painting has gotten much freer and more spontaneous. Our collaborative paintings are as much of a delight to create as they are to observe. There is an enlivened energy between us, and the ever-present questions, “What will Luke do next?” “What will I do next?” keep us both involved in the process. One highlight of every painting session with Luke is observing his subconscious tendency to put pink and yellow next to each other. Personally, my favorite color combination is purple and green. Head over the gallery and see if you can spot them! Luke Armstrong: In 2003, I graduated from Buena Vista University (Storm Lake, IA) with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art. While attending I worked predominately with water media and tinted plaster sculpture, mostly on pure abstraction or non-objective works. I did a few shows after graduation but my work slowed, and I went through a dark period. In January 2006 when Molly and I first started working together I found myself really energized. My excitement for producing art has returned and with it a new sense of accomplishment. While I feel very strongly about my individual work, the works Molly and I have shared in making are much more than anything I could have accomplished on my own. This experience has led me to a place I couldn’t imagine on my own.