The George Barnes Collection
Dr. George R. Barnes, who passed away in 2006 at age 84, led a remarkable life as both a respected physician and passionate art collector. Raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, his love for art began early and grew alongside his medical career—from Yale to military service, academic roles, and private practice in Tacoma. Wherever his work took him, art was a constant. With his wife Ellie, his partner of 62 years, George curated a collection that mirrored their shared values: precision, emotion, and storytelling. Just as he read X-rays with both science and intuition, he chose artwork that blended technical mastery with heartfelt depth.