May 28 – August 17, 2025
Cascadia Art Museum is proud to present Harmony of the Spheres: The Art of Milt Simons with Marianne Hanson and Paul Dusenbury, a deeply engaging exhibition that explores the creative legacy of one of the Northwest’s most dynamic artist couples and their circle.
Milt Simons (1923–1973) and Marianne Hanson (1932–2015) began their artistic journey as students at Seattle’s Burnley School in the 1940s. A multi-disciplinary creative, Simons was a painter, poet, dancer, and accomplished musician, while Hanson was a prolific visual artist known for her paintings, sculptures, and book illustrations. Together, they co-founded the Milann Gallery in 1958; one of the earliest artist co-operatives in Washington State.
Rooted in a shared belief in universal spiritualism, both Simons and Hanson were drawn to the ancient philosophical theory known as the “Harmony of the Spheres,” the idea that celestial motion creates a form of cosmic music that resonates with the human soul. This concept inspired not only their visual compositions but also Simons’ musical experimentation.
The exhibition also highlights rare and previously unseen works by their close friend and fellow artist/musician Paul Dusenbury (1935–1998), who later married Hanson after Simons’ passing. Together, these works offer a rare glimpse into a uniquely interdisciplinary and spiritually resonant body of work that defied conventional artistic boundaries.
Image Credits:
- Milt Simons (1923-1973, Milt and Marianne, c. 1952. Oil on canvas glued to board. Estate of Milt Simons and Marianne Hanson.
- Milt Simons, Self Portrait, 1969. Oil on canvas. Tacoma Art Museum, Museum purchase with funds from the Dr. Lester Baskin Memorial Fund [2015.6].
