Deeply Rooted: Artists' Talk and Film Screening with George & David Lewis

Part of BIMA's Handwork 2026 programming, we are hosting a special artists’ talk with George and David Lewis—formerly known as Little & Lewis—as they reflect on their decades-long creative partnership in garden design, sculpture, and place-making. This event is presented in conjunction with Deeply Rooted, BIMA’s retrospective exhibition celebrating their extraordinary legacy of art, love, and labor.

The conversation will be moderated by BIMA Chief Curator Greg Robinson and will include a screening of the PBS Canada program , which chronicles their artistic journey and the iconic garden environments that brought them international recognition.

From their beginnings on Bainbridge Island in the early 1990s to their evolution into beloved artists and community figures, George and David’s story blends ancient architectural inspiration, sculptural imagination, and the evocative power of water and landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the artists about their work, their creative process, and the enduring spirit behind their collaborative practice. Audience Q & A and reception to follow.

Guest name:

George & David Lewis

Guest bio:

George: George Lewis was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1944 to.parents who loved gardening, picnicking in the woods, and cooking. His mother, Wilma, instilled in him an early appreciation for the arts, and George began gardening and painting in watercolors as a child. After surviving the challenges of high school and college, he developed a passion for concrete sculpture and water gardening, which led to the creation of fountains and columns as integral garden elements. After meeting David, the two began a lifelong collaboration, expanding their work to include garden mirrors, plaques, fountainheads, paintings on concrete panels evoking ancient fragments, and column fountains. George continues to thrive creatively and personally, celebrating decades of partnership with David and a supportive community of friends. He expresses deep gratitude for this retrospective exhibition and the efforts of all involved.

David: Born in Cleveland, Ohio, David grew up surrounded by beauty and adventure. At 14, he lived for a year in a small fishing village on Crete, Greece—a formative experience that sparked his lifelong fascination with archaeology and mythology. After studying Classics at Oberlin College and exploring a variety of early careers, he moved to Bainbridge Island, where he met George in 1990.

Together they founded Little & Lewis, creating concrete sculptures, fountains, paintings, and gardens over 25 years. Married for 13 years and partners for 35, David and George retired 12 years ago to focus on giving back to the community that inspired and supported their work.

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Host or Publisher Bainbridge Island Museum of Art