America’s Most Captivating Couples 2009, Part II
San Francisco, California
Annie, 54, artist, author, educator
Beth, 48, artist, professor
Annie and Beth are an artist couple committed to doing projects that explore, generate, and celebrate love. “We utilize visual art, installation, theater pieces, interventions, live-art, exhibitions, lectures, printed matter and activism,” says Annie. “Each year we orchestrate one or more interactive performance art weddings in collaboration with various national and international communities, then display the ephemera in art galleries.” Their projects incorporate the colors and themes of the chakras, a structure inspired by Linda M. Montano’s 14 Years of Living Art. “Our current project, The Love Art Laboratory, grew out of our response to the violence of war, the anti-gay marriage movement, and our prevailing culture of cynicism. We hope the Love Art Laboratory will help make the world a more fun, sexy, tolerant, love-filled place.”
We rounded up so many gorgeous couples we couldn’t fit them all in one issue. That said, we’re happy to have the cuteness continue.
Susan & Gwen
Northampton, Massachusetts
Susan, 31, activist, performer, hat maker
Gwen, 36, filmmaker
“The number one secret to a happy relationship,” says Susan, “is allowing your partner enough space so that she always feels she can be who she is.” Susan and Gwen met in Chicago six years ago. At the time, Gwen was producing queer burlesque shows trying to raise money for a film. Back then Susan was busy shaking her pom-poms on stage but these days when she’s not performing and making hats, she’s traveling the country appraising and valuing clothing, art and furniture. Gwen shoots wedding videos to pay the bills while she’s working on a documentary about war and genocide in the Congo and Afghanistan. Another tip to staying happy, adds Gwen,”We don’t set limits for each other. It’s also great to constantly redefine your relationship as it changes and grows.”
