Barbara began painting over 20 years ago, taking her first acrylic classes with Phyllis Tilford, and studying with many nationally- and internationally-known Decorative Artists over the years. Barbara began teaching this art form more than twenty years ago and has taught adult education classes, at the Wood Shed in Medina, Countryside Folk Art Studio in Strongsville, Heart of Ohio Tole Chapter mini-convention in 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008; the mini-retreat in Warren, Ohio in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005; MAD Painting Conference in the Pocono's in 2006 and 2008; the Society of Decorative Painters national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina in May 2002; various painting chapters in the east and Midwest; and continues to teach on a regular basis in her home studio.
Her designs have been featured in The Decorative Painter (magazine of the National Society), Painting Magazine, Quick and Easy Painting, PaintWorks, ToleWorld, the Christmas ornament issue of PaintWorks, Craftworks, and Create and Decorate magazines. Barbara has been named to the 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008 Directory of Traditional American Crafts by Early American Life Magazine. The artists on this exclusive list represent the best ":for their finely wrought skill" in telling wonderful stories with their reproduction artwork.
Barbara has been commissioned by Colonial Williamsburg to paint pieces sold in the foundation's shops. Her passion for Williamsburg enables her to add much love in her work for the colonial capitol of Virginia.
Barbara was honored to have an ornament selected for the official White House Christmas Tree in 2004 and had the honor of meeting First Lady, Laura Bush, at a reception for the artists whose ornaments were chosen. In 2005 Barbara painted an ornament to grace the Christmas tree at the Library of Congress.
In 2008 Barbara was one of four artists contacted by the Society of Decorative Painters asked to submit a design to Mrs. Laura Bush. Barbara was chosen to paint 1,000+ ornaments President and Mrs. Bush used as gifts to family, friends, and White House staff. She attended a reception at the White House hosted by President and Mrs. Bush, along with two friends who helped with small tasks in the "ornament journey".
Barbara is a member of the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters, Decorative Arts Collection, Tole Painters of the Western Reserve, and the Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild, where she is also a board member. She has exhibited at fine art and craft shows in Ohio and Virginia for many years.
Barbara is also very involved in her church and community, being instrumental in bringing the Prayer Shawl Ministry and Elizabeth Ministry to her parish, a member of the guitar group and also solo singing, and Eucharistic Minister. Barbara is involved with the Olde Northfield Historic Preservation Association and Nordonia Hills Garden Club where she has also been a board member.
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