Cassandria and John Parsons are a perfect example of the notion that art is a great unifier. They met in an art class -Earl Jones on modern painting – and have now been married 41 years. Careers and family took up most of their time at the beginning of their relationship . In fact, Cassandria only completed her degree at the University of Utah a couple of years ago. John supported her during that time, but now she is working again in the interior decorating field in Salt Lake City. Both of their careers lend themselves to creativity. It’s easy to see how Cassandria’s job would do that, but with John’s it’s not quite so straightforward. He is an x-ray technician, and if you think about it, the films and scans of various parts of the human body, with patterns, organic shapes, shadows and contrast, could be fascinating material for abstract work, or any other genre.

Cassandrea Parson sits in front of her easel in her Spring City studio, photo by Bill Fulton

They have always shared an interest in art and supported each other in that endeavor. Now that their offspring are out on their own they can pursue art full-bore. Sometimes they create collaborative pieces. They acknowledge the need to critique each other … “We’re not thin-skinned and we trust each other.” Jealousy is not an issue for them since they have a base of security with both working at ‘day jobs’ which provide insurance. After 41 years together, their advice for newer artist couples is likely quite sound. … respect each other, allow each other the freedom to be themselves, and love art so much that you want to share that pleasure.

John Parson stands in his ceramic studio in Spring City, photo by Bill Fulton

Their place in Spring City, where they spend most of their weekends, is a showcase of ceramics and paintings by other Utah artists, with a sprinkling of their own work too. The painting studio is above the garage, which is a separate building built specifically to contain both studio and automobile space. However, John’s display shelves of ceramic pieces is starting to infringe on the car’s territory, so they have plans to create a separate space in the future. They have an open studio during the annual Heritage Days in Spring City (Memorial Day weekend), and it’s well worth visiting. There’s a wonderful ‘mascot’, a large ceramic rabbit named Chester, who will greet you in the garage.

Cassandrea & John Parson’s ‘Mascot’ Chester, photo by Bill Fulton

Carol Fulton

Carol Fulton got her degree in radio and television production a long time ago. She was born in Brazil and lived in many countries. Now retired from the airline industry, she dabbles in oil painting and found-object sculpture.