Dauphin County Edition
December 2013
Vol. 15 No. 12
A Colorful Marriage On Canvas and Off Couple Blends Artistic and Domestic Living By Alicia Morrissey Something about Barbara Pillette caught Robert Buchanan’s eye at an art show in Mount Gretna in 1981. Maybe it was her beautiful artwork, or perhaps it was her kind smile. Either way, neither of them had any idea what was in store for them at the moment their eyes locked. “She was in one booth and I was in another,” Robert reminisced. “I helped her carry her work out to her car.” After that sweet gesture, Robert and Barbara began dating, despite the two-hour commute it took to see each other. A couple of years later, they tied the knot. After that, the two artists had to figure out how to mesh not only their lives, but also their artistic styles and habits. “I always have to have music on—Barb doesn’t,” Robert said. “I enjoy music, but I do like complete quiet,” Barbara agreed. Laughing, Robert added, “Barb cooperates. She just acquiesces.” Despite their differing preferences for work environment, Robert and Barbara have found they coexist quite well. They both continued to thrive in their artwork, often asking each other advice on how to improve a piece. please see CANVAS page 15 Robert and Barbara Buchanan in the studio in their home.
Inside:
Chicago’s Christmas Magic page 8
He Hobnobbed with the Rich and Famous page 10