About
Short Bio
Barbara Joann Combs, artist and community arts collaborator born in Los Angeles, California, has worked within the discipline of visual arts since childhood. Barbara holds a B.A. with distinction in visual arts from Fayetteville State University and a MA and MFA in Community Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art. Barbara has worked within five Baltimore communities facilitating four quilt projects and two summer youth programs creating murals. A community mural was a collaboration with the Johnson Square neighborhood at Ambrose Kennedy Park and pool. During the COVID-19 pandemic a virtual community workshop was developed with Greenbelt Recreation Arts for African American History Month. Barbara’s recent exhibits in Maryland include Black Artists of D.C., James E. Lewis Museum of Art and What Do You See When You Look At Me?, Glen Echo Popcorn Gallery.
Statement
My personal experiences with conflict, while seeking peace, beauty, and joy are reoccurring themes that move me to create.These events are as broad as social justice issues; to fond memories of Daddy listening to jazz music; or Mother growing plants and flowers; and various travels to Hawaii, Guadalajara, Merida, and Baja, Mexico.Creating helps me to work through the conflict and brings me peace and joy. My hope is the viewer connects with a composition and their imagination takes them on a journey where they can leave their conflicts for a time, obtain some peace, see beauty, and stir up joy.
Biography
Barbara Joann Combs, artist, art educator, community arts collaborator born in Los Angeles, California, has worked within the discipline of visual arts since childhood. Barbara holds a B.A. with distinction in visual arts from Fayetteville State University, has written and taught curriculum for art fundamentals courses at Seventy-First High School, North Carolina for seven years. Awarded a MA and MFA in Community Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art.
Barbara has worked within five Baltimore communities facilitating four quilt projects and two summer youth programs creating murals. A community mural was a collaboration with the Johnson Square neighborhood at Ambrose Kennedy Park and pool. During the pandemic a virtual community workshop was developed with Greenbelt Recreation Arts for African American History Month and she continues to facilitate art workshops with the Greenbelt community. Barbara’s recent group exhibits include city, county, state, and nationally.
Ms. Combs currently teaches art education in Prince George's County at Gaywood Elementary. She paints murals on the walls and doors of the school with Pre-K through 5th grade students. In addition, Combs partners with high schools to facilitate mural painting within Gaywood to fulfill students’ Service Learning hours
Barbara’s Greenbelt studio is open for creation sessions by appointment.
Resume / CV
Exhibitions
2023
- Black Artists of DC | James E. Lewis Museum of Art, Baltimore, MD
- What Do You See When You Look At Me? | Glen Echo Popcorn Gallery, Glen Echo, MD
- Shifting Paradigms | Center for Performing Arts, Prince George’s Community College, MD
- Hope and Healing | Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel, MD
2022
- What Is Ours? | Sandy Spring Museum, Sandy Spring, MD
- Songs That Make Us Move | Friendship Heights Village Community Center, Chevy Chase, MD
- Handcrafted | BlackRock Center for the Arts, Germantown, M
- Occupy the Moment: Embracing Our History, Enhancing Our Impact | Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL
- New Scene | New Deal Cafe, Greenbelt MD
2021
- Abstraction, Barbara Joann Combs & Kathy Karlson | Greenbelt City Council Chambers, MD
- All That Jazz | New Deal Café, Greenbelt, MD
2020
- Hello, Growing Together | New Deal Café, Greenbelt, MD
- Perspectives: Prince George’s | Lowe House, Annapolis, MD
2019 Reflections of Self | Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel, MD
2018 Bright & Bold Exhibit | Serendipity Labs, Bethesda, MD
2016
- Depression Awareness | Bohrer Park, MD
- Art Critic Exhibit | Gallery Miriam, Decatur, GA
2015 Process and Purpose: Reflections of Art Teachers | Pyramid Atlantic Center, MD
2011
- Abstract Fine Art Exhibit | Art Institute & Gallery, MD
- You Are Here | Convening | Maryland Institute College of Art, MD
2010
- Whiteness | 15 Art Actions | Maryland Institute College of Art, MD
- Quilting for Social Justice |Maryland Institute College of Art, MD
2009 Enter/Face | Maryland Institute College of Art, MD
2007 An Evening of Art & Jazz | North Regional Library, NC
2006
- Fine Arts Festival, | Arts Council of Moore County, NC
- 3rd Annual Changing of the Art | Gallery 208, NC
- Black History Month | Cape Fear Studios, NC
2005 Where Are They Now | Rosenthal Gallery, NC
2004 Memorial Day & Local Artists’ Show | Amazing Grace Gallery, NC
2003 The Opening | Amazing Grace Gallery, NC
2002
- What’s Inside | Rosenthal Gallery, NC
- Jenkins & Friends | Cape Fear Studios, NC
2001
- Personalities…Abstract + Expression | Arts Council, NC
- Various Artists | Gallery Advertising, NC
- Brochure | Fayetteville State University, NC
- Web Page Design | Fayetteville State University, NC
- Monthly Display | Fort Bragg Main Library, NC
- Public Exposure, Arts Council, Fayetteville, NC
2000
- Student Exhibit | Fayetteville Museum of Art, NC
- Shadows and Dreams | Rosenthal Gallery, NC
Commissions
2009 Acrylics & Watercolors, Cliffdale Christian Center
Three -11"x14"; One- 50"x50" acrylic on canvas
One- 16"x 20"; Ten -22"x30" watercolors
2008 Family Portrait | Wayne Rothwell
2007 Butterflies & Magnolias | Christopher Rivera
2005 Personal Narrative | Yyonette Rhodes
Daffodils 1 & 2 | Wayne Rothwell
2004 Shemar & Parents | Wayne Rothwell
Collections
Woven Together | Sunset | Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission
Erykah Badu | Health Pavilion North, Cape Fear Valley Health System, NC
