George Kanakis will be exhibiting his art on the PAL Wall, upstairs at the Pleasanton Firehouse Art Center, from June 4 until July 13. A well-known local artist, has been a Pleasanton resident since 1987. George was born in Greece on the island of Crete where he started to paint as a child under the direction of Boti Thalassinos, a renowned Greek artist who was himself taught by Salvador Dali. Thalassinos’ encouragement had a significant influence on George. As a young teenager he moved to Athens and continued to pursue his passion for Art by taking private lessons and learning varied media including oils, watercolor, Indian ink, acrylics, and sculpture.

Before immigrating to the United States, George spent his early adulthood as a naval engineer which gave him the opportunity to enjoy artwork in Japan, China and Australia. Eventually, George combined his love for the creation of his own art and the art of others by opening a custom picture framing shop and gallery in Berkeley. His artistic ability made him a master framer who en- sured that his customers’ work was treated with care and respect. Now retired, he is able to devote himself daily to his passion of oil painting in his art studio. George has had a number of exhibits in various locations in the Bay Area including San Francisco, Oakland, Hayward, Berkeley, San Leandro, and Pleasanton. His body of work includes Greek themes as well as landscapes of California such as Yosemite, Monterey, the Presidio, and Lake Del Valle. George is happy to know that his paintings are enjoyed in a number of homes throughout the United States and abroad.