What began as a keen interest in art collecting developed into a full-fledged art domain. In 1977 Pat & Pam Stephan opened their first art gallery in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. As the years passed and the city grew, the gallery was relocated to 6th & F Street, across from the Center for the Performing Arts. Another gallery soon opened in the lobby of the prestigious Hotel Captain Cook.

Pat was born in Anchorage in 1945 to Walter & LaPriel Stephan. Pam's family moved from Michigan to Alaska in 1961. The young families thrived in the fast growing community. Opportunities abounded as Anchorage swelled with adventure seeking new residents. Pat and Pam met through Pat's sister Susan. Acquaintance developed into love and love into marriage in 1967.

For the first year of their marriage they were separated when Pat was sent to Viet Nam. After that separation ended, both vowed never to part again if it was within their power to prevent it. The first year back in Anchorage was spent returning to Pat's childhood sport, dog mushing. Since Pam had never experienced the thrill of riding behind sixteen lunging sled dogs, Pat thought it would be a great idea to teach Pam the skill and a perfect way to share the magic of the sport. That winter was spent feeding, training and racing the dogs. As a result of that year - sled dog racing would hold a special place in their hearts and lead to Stephan Fine Arts financial support of the Iditarod sled dog race, "The Last Great Race".

In 1978 the young artist Charles Gause came to the gallery with a sampling of his work under his arm. It was apparent to the Stephan's that he had a unique ability to tell a story with his brush. There began an association that has spanned over 20 years. The first limited edition print "Pursuit" was published in 1978 and new editions have been added each year. Gause painted all ten of the Official Prints for the Iditarod sled dog race. In 1991 the 96-page full color book The Alaska Art of Charles Gause was published and later updated in 1996.

In 2003 the gallery took on a renewed vision when daughter, Rebecca Stephan, stepped into the long-time family gallery business.  Rebecca spent two years in her early 20’s starting up and working in the Stephan Fine Arts frame shop that is still going strong at the 6^th Avenue downtown location.  Rebecca learned the framing business inside and out, then took several years away from the business to go to college and raise her children. Ten years and three children later, Rebecca has dedicated herself full-time to the art business now that her three sons are in elementary school.

Rebecca has made Stephan Fine Arts a premiere stop at Anchorage’s First Friday Art Walk, a fun event the first Friday of every month.  Each of these shows features new and/or well-established Alaskan talent.  Stephan Fine Arts recently joined with The Alaskan Artist Guild to establish Art For Alaska Parks, a representational art competition.  Rebecca’s newest adventure is the start-up of Gallery Red by Stephan Fine Arts located on the corner of 36^th & Old Seward in midtown.  Gallery Red collects and sells fine art from various American artists, mostly non-Alaskan artists, bringing to the Anchorage locals fresh talent from “the states”.  This gallery features primarily fine art Giclees, original blown glass pieces, and artistic jewelry.