Northwest poet and writer Tess Gallagher and artist Josie Gray have a unique relationship. As Tess describes it:

We get along well enough to have great arguments but I stay out of the studio while work is in process. We name the paintings together as if christening our children—we have to agree. During this process we define the territory of each. Often something I’ve read to Josie may have generated both title and painting—some bit of poetry or something from my interest in Northwest history or Zen Buddhism.

We are honored that Tess, who received the Washington Poets Association Lifetime Achievement Award in April, 2004, has written poems inspired by and accompanying six of Josie Gray's paintings.

Click on the pictures or titles below to view the paintings and read the poems.

If you're interested in purchasing any of these pieces, please contact us.