Ian George, New Zealand born Cook Islander, graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts from Elam – University of Auckland. Ian is employed as the arts advisor and curriculum manager for the Ministry of Education in the Cook Islands. Kay George has always loved fashion, fabric and art and has fused these passions into a highly successful and creative career and is currently studying for her Masters of Art and Design with AUT - Auckland NZ.

In 1988 the couple made the decision to make an extended visit to the homeland of Ian’s parents to explore their respective creative interest. Seven years later they returned to New Zealand to re connect with the emerging Pacific art scene. During this time, Ian was the Cook Island member on the Pacific Committee for the Creative New Zealand Funding Board, Chairperson for Tautai Contemporary Visual Art Trust and Head of Art at Hillary College.

Beginning 2002 the couple settled permanently in the Cook Islands and established The Art Studio in the village of Arorangi. The Georges are proud of the fact that The Art Studio has won a reputation for exhibiting the very best work of creative Cook Islanders. The Art Studio’s calendar includes four exhibitions a year by artists living in the Cook Islands and also shows from visiting artists from around the pacific.

Attached to the main gallery is the textile room with a small range of hand – painted clothing by Kay as most of the clothing is made to order from an arrange of fabrics that are also on display. Embroidered pieces and Tivaevae with vibrant pacific themes are produced by Ian’s family which are also made to order. Visitors are warmly welcomed with someone on hand to talk about any of the works on show.