Lori Barker’s artistry on display at NEML

MILLERTON — NorthEast-Millerton Library is hosting an exhibit of the work by artist Lori Barker.

Barker’s artwork consists of layering different paper, paint, wood, fabric, metals, and images. Though, her first work was creating machine-embroidered house portraits and baby quilts to sell at local stores.

At the library, Barker’s work ranges from portraits to flowers. It is individually listed and priced from $30 to $300.

Lori is a former elementary school art teacher from Goshen, Connecticut. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and studied at Savannah College of Art and Design, Bennington College, and Omega Institute.

Barker said, “After teaching elementary art for a few years, I became a stay-at-home mom. My creative mind was and is always active, so I started showing my art at local fairs and shops.”

Barker has won prizes at many different art galleries and events for her work. Including awards from the Essex Art Association, Norwich Arts, Milford Fine Arts show, Hillsdale festival, Hartford Riverfest and Danbury Arts Fest. In 2009 Barker received the Museum of Contemporary Impressionism’s award of excellence.

“Knowing that others valued my creativity spurred me on to create what I loved doing,” said Barker.

In 2012, Lori and her husband opened the Artists’ Path Gallery in Bantam, Connecticut, where they showed work for three years. Their gallery featured over 40 artisans’ works and won Yankee Magazine’s Best Small Gallery in Connecticut.

“For those starting out in any artistic realm, make sure you are being true to yourself. Don’t get discouraged with rejections. Even though I’ve been a working artist since 1970, I still get a few!”

Barker’s work will be on display and available to buy at the NorthEast-Millerton Library until June 29.