Irene Chan and Bonnie Rubenstein met in February 2025 and decided to put their creative talents and energies together to launch the Rubenstein Chan Contemporary Art gallery in the Palm Lofts of Carpinteria, CA.

The Palm Lofts have been a fixture in Carp since 2000. Prior to that it was was the Henry Fish Seed Company, which was built in 1910 and was the first lima bean factory in the U.S.  

The new complex was built as a live/work space and has housed many creatives since its inception. Chan and Rubenstein decided that an art gallery would be perfect in the beautiful space. With its 12 foot ceilings, long white walls, and industrial fixtures, it calls out for art. 

Chan’s background is in photography and fashion and Rubenstein’s background is as painter and a gallerist.  She was the owner/curator of Silo118 art gallery in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone for 6 years.