WETUMPKA, Ala. — Deb and Steve Garst have both had paintings juried into the International Society of Acrylic Painters 13th Annual International Show in Santa Cruz, Calif.

They were also granted Signature Member status for life. Until now only two other Alabama artists have been granted signature status in ISAP.

The Wetumpka residents are the first married couple to have paintings accepted at the same time and the first husband-wife artists to become signature members in the history of the society.

Steve Garst grew up along the banks of Mobile Bay, and spent time in and around Dauphin Island, Coden, Bayou La Batre and the Eastern Shore. He was a curious kid with a deep love for the outdoors and everything associated with the water.

Deb Rooks grew up on Shades Mountain in Birmingham. A big city girl, she started her long journey down the path to becoming an artist at age 3. Who could have guessed their paths would cross nearly 45 years later?

This has so far proven to be an extraordinary year the couple.

As Steve explains, “Last September I retired as the senior illustrator and art director for Air University Press at Maxwell AFB, so Deb and I could focus on our love for fine art and photography. We built our Dog House Studio here at our home on Canyon Road in Wetumpka, and now we can walk out our back door and create our paintings every day.”

For more information about the artists, visit www.garstart.com.