John and Stephanie Spears
Art as an expression of culture!
We have had a lifelong love of beautiful art and began our collection over 35 years ago. A career in travel exposed us to art and collectibles from all over the world but as African Americans, we especially were drawn to the Shona sculpture of Zimbabwe, the bronze figures from Benin, the masks from Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon, the wood-carved colonials of South Africa and the intricate harvest grain doors of Mali. These treasures we acquired from Luke Angel, the very knowledgeable owner of African Angel Tours. We met Luke close to 30 years ago at The Monterey Jazz Festival, beginning a friendship where we are connected both by art and travel. Not only is Luke an importer of collectible works of art from all over Africa, but he is also intimately connected to the artisans. He knows the materials, the workmanship, and the meaning behind the pieces he sells. Besides purchasing a number of treasures from Luke from the African continent, we have also had the good fortune to have traveled throughout South Africa with African Angel Tours. Seeing this magnificent country and making new friends there has made our art collection even more meaningful.