September 1, 2023 @ 8:00 am - October 15, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
Opening Reception September 1, 5 to 7 p.m.
Additional information will be posted as soon as details are finalized.
Barbara Berry
Artist’s Statement
“I’m captivated by the symphony of daylight, the way sunlight enhances prairie grasses
and casts reflections on flowers and the human face. I use oil and pastel to express my
awe of everyday wonders, and I am happy when my art touches another soul.
My artistic journey has led me along a winding road.
Growing up, I was surrounded by natural wilderness and exceptional works of art. I
remember moments in spring when my father nurtured baby falcons, and through his
compassionate teaching I learned firsthand how to nurture lost or injured ducklings and
crows discovered in the woods. The artistry of my mother, my earliest and most
influential mentor, deeply influenced my creative spirit. I would watch in awe as she
skillfully sketched portraits of my parents’ friends. Their home was filled with realist and
impressionist art, reflecting my parents’ discerning eye.
Inspired by my mother, I believed I could draw and paint. At ten years old, I sold my first
artwork to my school principal, a defining moment that confirmed my desire to become
an artist. I was invited to hang my first solo show in the school lobby in eighth grade.
However, I took a different path when my passion for music beckoned and I found
myself enraptured by singing, songwriting, and studying classical voice during my
university years. This resulted in a successful career captivating audiences with operatic
roles in Germany.
Eventually, life brought me back to my American roots, where I cherished the
responsibility of raising children. As my children embarked on their own educational
journeys, I found a new chapter in my artistic exploration. I pursued self-guided art
education, taking courses at the Wayne Art Center, private workshops with artists
throughout the country and at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia. These experiences
allowed me to learn from esteemed artists and improve my skills.
My artistic experiences are a tapestry that combines the natural world, music, and a
dedication to honing my craft. I am driven to capture beauty and my response to it on
canvas, inviting viewers into a realm where brushstrokes illuminate the wonders that
surround us.”
