wilbanks studio
wilbanks studio is located within the california central coast midway between los angles and san francisco. the region has garnered a growing awareness around the globe for the exceptional quality of its rhone wines, almonds, walnuts and olive oil in part because it enjoys an overall similarity of weather to the tuscany region of italy. the historically rich agricultural heritage holds tenaciously to its rural community roots. there is both a visceral connection and appreciation for these natural lands. it is as wonderful a place for artists to congregate.
two artists
the studio is home to two artists. stephanie wilbanks concentrates in kilnformed art glass inspired by her lifelong love of music, rhythm, pattern and texture. stephanie’s work has garnered recognition and awards throughout the central coast and points beyond. ken wilbanks works with baltic birch plywood, he laminates multiple layers and shapes it by carving and sanding. the abstract curvilinear sculptures wrought from man made materials echo the organic contours and patterns commonly found in nature.
kilnformed glass
the art of stephanie wilbanks
laminated plywood sculpture
the art of ken wilbanks
stephanie wilbanks’ glass art
kiln glass is cut cold on a table, heated and slowly cooled in a kiln for several hours to a full day. the glasses soften, fuse together and assume the shape of whatever surface they're resting upon or within. many designs require two or more sessions in the kiln to obtain the final desired effects, making each a unique piece of art. as an voice major, her background in music has provided her with a keen sense of rhythm, pattern and tone which is reflected in her work. her fine art pieces show brilliant color, texture and pattern when backlit. every day in the studio brings a new opportunity to explore new ideas in an endlessly interesting journey.
stephanie was interviewed on the central coast’s popular NPR show “ears on art” by crissa hewitt and steven deluque in her studio. click the button below to hear the segment.
ken wilbanks wood sculpture
ken draws his inspiration from the organic shapes that occur in nature. he also draws heavily upon cultural influences. his work with laminations of baltic birch plywood begin as an additive process to build shape and create form. through a subtractive process of carving and shaping the final sculptures are revealed. the laminations inherient in plywood create complex line and texture especially when exploited for edge view. integrally dyed layered laminates are sometimes employed to introduce vivid color and texture to the process. plywood being one of the common working materials of the construction and furniture making industries make it both abundant in supply and a challenge to visually elevate beyond its humble roots.
studios on the park
stephanie’s work is perpetually on display in the up front gallery at studios on the park in paso robles, california. a selection of contemporary pieces rotate through the gallery changing seasonally. some of her current work on exhibition can be seen seven days a week beginning at noon.
studios on the park upfront gallery"visual rhetoric"
ken had two pieces selected by the central coast sculptors group show called “visual rhetroic“ in the mcmeen gallery at the san luis obispo museum of art. the mcmeen gallery is upstairs from the main floor and is a wonderfully intimate environment with close proximity for viewing works of art. check it out next time you visit sloma.
san luis obispo museum of artphantom popup gallery •
works by stephanie and ken have been accepted for several “phantom project” gallery exhibitions in downtown san luis obispo, california.
play phantom3 popupvideocentral coast sculptorspraa part of studios
themed shows are offered on a continuing basis through the paso robles art association. stephanie is an active member of the group. paso robles art association encourages artists and art lovers to interact and grow in a creative, supportive community.
paso robles art associationcontact praastephanie in the central coast craft makers show
the show theme was “earth fire water” in the mcmeen gallery
this event showcased hand made art and crafts from a wide variety of california central coast artists. “spring vinyard” sold during the show.
night+day selected for phantom16 in SLO
stephanie’s night+day sold opening night of the phantom16 show at art after dark. the unusual, highly textured, monochromatic, rectangular piece is a departure for the artist who loves utilizing bright color in her work.
artistic couples inspired show at studios
stephanie suggested a theme for creative couples who do art show for studios on the park and guest curated the show with sasha irving, the executive director. many artist couples participated in showing their work in the atrium gallery.
twirl•ply twins selected for phantom16
twirlply twins was selected for display in the phantom16 gallery in san luis obispo. this juried show is one of the best of the phantom series and includes a wide variety of work by some of the central coasts best known artists.
opening night at sola gallery in los angeles with “bifurcated ply” wood sculpture
sola gallery los angeles show theme "interplay: craft, art & design”
central coast sculptor’s group phantom16 exhibit at the popup gallery in san luis obispo
pARTners at studios on the park
the pARTners show at studios on the park featured many couples from the central coast area. the opening coincided wtih art after dark, a monthly occurance of paso robles growing art scene. many of the creative couples were in attendence despite the stormy weather.
new times article on “pARTners”
ryah cooley; music, art and culture writer of the new times slo penned an article on the pARTners show. here is a link to the article she captured the essence of pARTners beautifully.
artist statements next to work
creative couples put together a statement explaining how they work for display with their piece. the variety of disciplines that they are involved in and the diversity of those creative relationships are fascinating stories. stephanie’s piece in the show “scarlet ways” sold opening night.
janice pluma is a wonderful painter. her studio ateller 708 featured stephanie’s work in a facebook live event on saturday. she also offered some great information on collecting art. you can see the video here: https://www.facebook.com/janice.anja.kim/posts/1611132172381997
ken & stephanie’s art featured in “occupies space” virtual show at san luis obispo museum of art
stephanie’s work featured in studios' holiday show
studios on the park in downtown paso robles has an annual holiday show at the gallery. once again stephanie’s work is featured with an exhibit of holiday themed pieces including suites of plates, bowels and small dishes. the collections feature iterations on a theme with color, texture and shape. hardwood mounted glass tile pieces for wall display are also on offer. here is the link: https://studiosonthepark.org/events/handcrafted-for-the-holidays-2020/
whimsical blues (top)
liquid butterscotch
lavender edges
whimsical dunes
cherry ice
curated by wood sculptor ken wilbanks and glass artist stephanie wilbanks for studios on the park in paso robles
there is no question that california has its own unique vibe. yet the aesthetic is as varied as the artists who define it. something deeper illuminates the spectrum here. CaliforniaAesthetic3D is a celebration of that western spirit though sculpture. the CA3D show features work created with elements of wood, stone, metal and glass. earthly materials that yield to an unearthly aesthetic captured through frozen emotion. aesthetic dwells in study of the mind and emotions as they relate to the sense of artistic beauty. works created to provoke a response, a reaction to take the viewer on a personal journey through their own unique perceptions of meaning, sensation and artistry. in this exhibition, curated by wood sculptor ken wilbanks and glass artist stephanie wilbanks, california’s artists share their vision of the fascinating ca aesthetic. the sculptors are: carl berney, peter charles, mecki heussen, george jercich, larry le brane, ron roundy and ken wilbanks. to see representative work in the exhibit click this link: Studios on the Park CA3D.
announcing studios on the park all glass show
running from august 31st through november 1st an exclusive all glass show curated by stephanie will feature blown glass, fused glass and stained glass from some of the central Ccoast talented artists. follow this link for updates on the artists showing, gallery opening events, special opportunities to attend glass workshops and more. Studios on the Park Luminous Lightscapes.
for the sake of keeping
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
June 3 – August 1, 2022
an exhibition of contemporary fine craft artworks created in the spirit of remembrance and commemoration
FARMstead
June 29 - August 28, 2022
artists created art depicting local farm and ranch life--from fresh flowers and produce to livestock and fields.
stephanie has two pieces in the show at Studios On The Park in Paso Robles running through the end of August.
read more about it at: https://studiosonthepark.org/events/farmstead/
SLOMA Abstr(act)ion at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
the exhibition Abstr(act)ion runs though November 28, 2022 and features four Central Coast Sculptors work. three of Ken’s pieces were included. on their website at: https://sloma.org/exhibition/abstraction/
Vertical Hold 1
Baltic Birch Plywood, Walnut, SpectraPly & Airbrush Color
Vertical Hold 2
Baltic Birch Plywood, Walnut, SpectraPly & Airbrush Color
Vertical Hold 3
Baltic Birch Plywood, Walnut, SpectraPly & Airbrush Color
2023 Summer Shows Featuring Stephanie’s Work
Our Central Coast California Mid State Fair
Smooth Sailing 2023
stephanie wilbanks is part of “Our Central Coast” an exhibition at Studios on the Park featuring members of four local Art Associations. the show runs June 30 through August 27, 2023.
Cosmic 2022
California Mid State Fair Running From July 19 - 30, 2023
stephanie entered the California Mid State Fair and was surprised to win three ribbons!
Lava+Ice
“Lava+Ice 5” 2023 was awarded Second Place: Fused Glass
Studios on the Park Display & Demonstration
stephanie’s work will be showcased in the front window at Studios on the Park in downtown Paso Robles throughout the month of July. she will be demonstrating kiln formed glass techniques on Saturday, July 27 from 3-5 pm . the button below has all of the details.
"Art With A Message” Exhibition at Orange County Center for Contemporory Art
TweetLilBoy Boom: In God We Thrust
ken’s sculpture LilBoy Boom: In God We Thrust was juried into the Art With A Message show at Orange County Center for Contemporary Art. the show runs from July 6 to August 24.
Juror: Nicolas Orozco-Valdivia. More information at https://www.occca.org/EXHIBITIONS.html.
CCAC Craftmakers Coalition Show Selects Stephanie’s Butterscotch Drizzle
stephanie’s piece Butterscotch Drizzle was juried into the fine crafts show, FRESH! at Art Center Morro Bay. the show runs May 15th – June 23rd 2025. details here: https://artcentermorrobay.org
Ken’s Sculpture 5 Stacked 8’s Was Juried Into The Biennial Show At Monterey Museum of Art
the show Monterey Biennial: Celebrating Central California Artists runs from May 15 - August 31, 2025. all are invited to attend the opening at the Monterey Museum of Art 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. more details here: https://www.montereyart.org/biennial/