In the renaissance tradition, Anne and Frank Vigneri have been designers and makers of things for almost half a century. Working and living together since the mid 1960’s they have been and remain a team with a unique vision that has kept them energized and interested in the limitless possibilities of the life in DESIGN . This has included every category from custom furniture and specialty retail displays in the 1960’s, to monumental sculpture with partner James Grant in the 1970’s, to high fashion jewelry in the 1980’s, to home accessories in the 1990’s and even the design of specialty food packaging in the 2000’s ! Together, Anne and Frank continue to travel the path of entrepreneurship, often joking that the word “retirement” is not in their dictionary. After a seven year stay in New Mexico, they decided to return to California to be closer to their children and grandchildren and embark on yet another chapter. When a retail space on the main street of historic Mariposa, CA became available, the couple jumped at it and in the spring of 2012 they opened Artesanos Mariposa, a gallery store that offers a variety of American craft and art, much of it designed and made by the proprietors. Living in Mariposa has brought the landscape of the Sierra into everyday life. The variety of the flora and fauna that is endemic to the area is stunning, from the rolling golden hills dotted with Oaks, to the Granite towers and rivers of Yosemite it is an area that has inspired many to create over generations. It was natural then, that Anne and Frank would also become influenced by this landscape. When Frank obtained a small piece of wood veneer he had already begun to envision numerous creative possibilities for the material. As he played with the small square of sheer wood one evening, he passed it in front of a lit candle. The soft light illuminated the grain of the wood and as it did so, the Candle Opera had its beginnings. Now adorned with a variety of Frank’s images and tied up with Anne’s ribbons, the Candle Opera is evocative and romantic . The form and the material lend themselves to most styles of interior décor whether on the mantle, the dining table, the coffee table or on the hallway entry table to greet arriving guests. At a time in life when many have opted for a slower pace, Anne and Frank find their lives busier than ever and perhaps this is the secret to longevity ? ... We hope so.