Meet Chris Kenney

As principal conservator since 1988 for his company, MÖBIUS: art conservation, Chris Kenney works with museums, art dealers and private clients specializing in the conservation of 19th and 20th century paintings, and he also treats gilded frames and polychrome (painted) objects.

Born in Burbank, Kenney lived in Libya and Germany as a child and studied at the University of California Riverside and at California State University, Fullerton, for his graduate work.

It was in Fullerton where Kenney said he learned his most important lesson.

“The best skill I learned in graduate school was learning how to learn, which has been my greatest strength in developing a career,” he said.

At the invitation of local personality and radio host, Bruce Bratton, Kenney was featured on the KZSC program, "Universal Grapevine," where he discussed methods of conserving and restoring paintings and the process involved.

Kenney also shared valuable tips with owners of fine art, such as the best place to hang a painting. And he warned against the use of feather dusters.

Bratton said he was impressed by the ethics of preservation and Kenney’s deep knowledge of the subject.

“This was new information to me—there is so much more to art conservation, which is not just about repair,” Bratton said.

MÖBIUS clients, Allen and Theresa Fleishman, have long used Kenney’s services for their family paintings, which hold sentimental and monetary value and will be passed down to following generations.

The couple said that after a smoke-covered painting by Allen's grandmother was cleaned, they were astounded to discover a piano that had not previously been visible. They also commented on Kenney's great work attitude.

“Chris is infectious, has great enthusiasm for his work and loves what he does,” the Fleishmans said.

Bill Kennann, artist and owner of Santa Cruz Picture Framing & Gallery, said he refers customers who need work on their paintings exclusively to Kenney.

“If damage has occurred after an amateur has worked on a painting or when someone has tried to clean their own picture, I advise them to use a real conservator,” Kennann said. “I have sent numerous people to Kenney over the last 20 years.”

Aside from his work as a conservator, Kenney has spent close to 30 years in the local ethnic drumming and dance community and spends his leisure time as a percussionist for one of the longest-running African-inspired dance groups in Santa Cruz, which holds classes each Thursday evening at Louden Nelson Community Center.

He further enjoys teaching samba and salsa and facilitating wedding choreography.

Although Kenney says he'd travel to Brazil if able, he thinks Santa Cruz is a great area to live for now.

“The Live Oak area is the perfect place to live—it’s geographically accessible to everything and conveniently located near the beach,” he said.

MÖBIUS art conservation is at 2510 Felt St., Santa Cruz.

831-464-1418

mobiusart.com