Jane, the daughter of an Army Chief Warrant Officer, had traveled the world and had lived in Japan, Alabama, Queens New York, Germany, and finally Texas where she earned her Masters of Art in English. Her parents took her to many galleries and museums. She enjoyed art classes wherever they lived.

Smokey, originally from Spokane, Washington, had worked as a revered chef and musician since their arrival in St. Thomas in 1980. Jane taught English at College of the Virgin Islands and at the Adult Education school.

In 1988, unable to find a serious art gallery on the island, they contemplated opening one as a viable business venture. They had also considered opening their own restaurant but Smokey realized that operating one would leave little time for music. They decided to put their daytime efforts into an art gallery, one that presented fine art for visitors and locals. The picture framing division was added almost immediately as customers expressed their need to package the paintings bought at the gallery for display.