From the time she was small Barbara Schwarz was at home with color. As a child she carved wood, made puppets, and experimented with the arts. But as life happens, Barbara grew up.
A member of the Order of Preachers, Sister Barbara Schwarz , OP taught for 13 years in Catholic Junior High and High Schools. She was a director of religious education for 14 years.
In 1982 Barbara was afflicted with viral encephalitis. She attributes her recovery to the arts which helped her to regain coordination and verbal expression. In time she wrote poetry for each piece. Her carved cross and candlesticks for the 750th anniversary of the Order were works of triumph.
Barbara has an MA in Scripture from Providence College and a certificate from Salve Regina's Institute for Healing through the Expressive Arts.
Her art is prolific in form and style. From clay and wood, to paint, and graphics on the computer.
Her art comes from a belief that it is through the arts one can experience the depths of one's heart. Her art is passionate and vibrant with color. Creativity is the manner of her preaching in the tradition of the Dominicans from the time of Fra Angelico. Her workshops on Art as Meditation are well received and alive with surprises.
Recently she did the cover, art and graphic design for the book, Where the Pure Water Flows by Margaret Galiardi. She has also done graphics for numerous Dominican groups.
Her work has been published internationally in the millionth circle calendars of 2002 and 2003. She has been part of rotating shows of the local arts council. Her work will soon appear in the Amityville Artist Circle Gallery. She has created works for conferences from art and installations to graphics works.
She learned the process of strappo from Harold Garde, who was featured as a Master of Maine in its PBS Artist Series inominated to be one of New England's notable artists.
Her mandala work has been recognized in that she is past President and Vice President of the Dominican Institute for the Arts , an international group of friars, sisters, and laity who work in the arts.. In 2006 she was awarded the Spirit of DIA award.
Barbara continues to do creative retreat work and workshops to promote the arts in education. Her work has been shown this year in the Amityville Artist Circle Gallery.
