Collector Spotlight: “Wedding at Cana,” at home in NYC with Lauren + Corey

After I began painting the canvas for what would become Wedding at Cana, years followed until the finished artwork found its permanent home with loving new collectors. 

I had a gut feeling this piece would eventually end up in a very, very special household, but I never imagined it would be the home of dear friends.

In May of 2023, I got a text from Lauren’s husband, Corey, asking about Wedding at Cana. Lauren’s birthday was coming up, and he wanted to surprise her. 

Lauren said, “I had shared with my husband how desperately I wanted the piece and secretly hoped that no one would buy it so that I could purchase it for myself years down the line.”

After coordinating shipping, the very large framed painting arrived in Brooklyn at the neighboring address, where the artwork would wait patiently until…

“My incredible husband surprised me with it on my birthday; it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received!” said Lauren.

When I asked Lauren what moved her to collect the artwork, here’s what she shared with me:  

“I’ve always loved art and artmaking. Growing up, my Grandpa taught me how to paint, and from a young age, I was imbued with an affection for art museums and learning all I could about the great masters. It wasn’t until I studied visual art in undergrad that my understanding and love for abstract expressionism blossomed. Over the years, I’ve gravitated towards abstract pieces, increasingly curious about their effect and deeper meanings. It was the moment I set eyes on Wedding at Cana that I fully understood how an abstract painting could deeply move a viewer. It’s almost impossible for me to describe, but once I saw the painting, I said to myself, “That’s mine.” I just knew it was meant for me.”

With their new painting unwrapped, Lauren and Corey began a fun debate over where to hang it. I even enjoyed getting to share my opinion as they texted me several options. 

“We purchased Wedding at Cana right before moving into a bigger apartment, so we had to keep it wrapped for a few weeks before hanging it,” said Lauren. “And once we did, it brought our whole room together. We had 2 options to display it - our bedroom or the living room. I told my husband I wanted it to be the centerpiece of our living room so that everyone could look at it and enjoy it as much as I do. And it’s always the first thing our guests compliment when they come into our home!”

As a friend of the collectors, I know how thoughtfully Lauren and Corey consider the design and details of their home. Whether it’s in a spacious bungalow in California or a compact apartment in New York, I’ve loved witnessing their dedication to cultivating a place that’s as welcoming as it is inspiring.

When I realized that Wedding at Cana would get to spend its days in their care, I was really overwhelmed with happiness. It’s extra special to see my paintings paired with collectors who I know will love them well.

Lauren, being the encouraging friend that she is, shared this review about her experience as a collector. If you’re on the fence about owning a piece of my work, she wants you to know:

“You will love your artwork. I know Anna is a really committed and deeply studied artist. Her inspirations and artistic role models are clear in her work all while expressing her own creativity and narrative. You will own a one-of-a-kind piece that fills your space with beauty and invites anyone who looks at it to have a moment all their own.”

Thank you, Lauren and Corey, for collecting Wedding at Cana and for allowing me to share your story here!

Originally from Los Angeles, Lauren and Corey now live in Brooklyn, NY. Lauren is a museum professional currently working at The Met, and Corey is a design director. 

Inspired by Charles and Ray Eames, the couple deeply value filling their home with design objects and original artwork. They’re committed to collecting original art pieces from around the world, whether they’re paintings, sculptures, photos, or prints. Anna’s Wedding at Cana is the first large-scale piece in their collection.