About Mary Rothermel and Tom Northington

They met as students at the University of Washington in 1975. Both were enrolled in the printmaking department under the direction of Professor Glen Alps. Glen was the originator of the collagraph technique and both Mary and Tom were drawn to the process for it's innovation in a field that is often ruled by the traditional approach to materials.

Upon graduating they branched out into other mediums, Mary as a painter and portrait artist and Tom as a fine woodworker. They began collaborating on a series of painted wood cabinets in the shape of buildings for the Lynn McAllister Gallery of Seattle in 1984. What they found in common was a love of architecture and in particular buildings of historical merit. Combining their different skills proved to be successful and rewarding.

Over the years they have produced functional art furniture, architectural and designer models, elaborate mirror frames, renderings of private residences as well as commercial properties such as period hotels and skyscrapers. In a show titled "Impressions of Home" they visited the homes and studios of ten French impressionists and produced works inspired by each.

They are often asked how they work together. The answer is not always the same but in general they will work on the details of a design in a drawing. Once they feel they can move forward, Tom will takeover the construction and Mary will apply detail and finish. The fun for them is resolving the problems inherent in making things come off the paper.

Tom and Mary's work has been exhibited continuously around the country since they began working together. They are currently represented by the Gallery Mack, Inc. of Seattle which has just celebrated it's 25th year in business. They have successfully completed numerous commissioned works for individuals. They travel and continue to add to their skills. Most recently they have added metal fabrication to an impressive list of talents.