Barbara began painting and teaching this art form over 30 years ago and has taught at Heart of Ohio Tole Chapter mini-convention for many years; MAD Painting Conference in the Pocono's in 2006 and 2008; the Society of Decorative Painters national conference; New England Traditions convention; various painting chapters in the East and Midwest; and continues to teach on a regular basis in her home studio and wherever her travels take her.
Her designs have been featured in The Decorative Painter (magazine of the Society of Decorative Painters--here, you can see her design, Fruit of the Spirit--Christmas, on the cover), Painting Magazine, Quick and Easy Painting, PaintWorks, ToleWorld, the Christmas ornament issue of PaintWorks, Craftworks, Painting World, Create and Decorate, and Coup de Pinceau magazines, as well as Pixelated Palette and Painting E-Zines. Barbara has been named to the Directory of Traditional American Crafts by Early American Life Magazine since 2004. 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 demonstrates "country tin painting" at the St. George Tucker House in Colonial Williamsburg when she visits each December where she has met some very interesting people from around the world.
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 chosen to paint 1,000+ ornaments that 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 Society of Decorative Painters and of Tole Painters of the Western Reserve where she has served in various board positions. She has exhibited at fine art and craft shows in Ohio and Virginia for many years.
In 2017 Barbara was awarded the distinction of Accredited Decorative Painter (ADP) and in 2018 she was awarded her Certified Decorative Artist (CDA) distinction by The Society of Decorative Painters.
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.