The Great Stephanie Barbour

Megan has taught art in private and public school as well as in the special needs community. Autism is a specialty and she found ways to connect and bring out the inner artist in everyone, no matter what the exceptionality. 

Stephanie and Megan met in 2014 and it seemed apparent that Steph's physical and mental challenges somehow contributed her endless artistic muse. She created unique images ever

Stephanie had style all her own. With only sharpie markers and colored pencils she created endless interesting images from unique perspectives, often of food and things from the kitchen.

Here we have some mushrooms and peas and possibly a leek. Stephanie never had to draw her images in pencil first, they came right out of her head and through the markers with no hesitation.

Steph's cup of tea, completed in sharpie and tempera paint. Her color choices are exquisite, the graphic design line style is all Stephanie's.

One of the most powerful parts about working with the special needs community is the incredible artistic talent that is often underneath. Never had I seen such unabated, raw talent as was in this group of artis

"Iced Tea with Carrots and Celery, Pantry 1"

Again, Stephanie's natural talent cannot be understated. Her ability to create images was an amazing thing to have been a part of. Artists come in many forms, we must be careful to not miss one who might be in our very midst.

Portrait of a Native American woman created by Stephanie in late 2014. Purple and yellow are a classic combination and Steph used them like an old master.

Stephanie passed away suddenly in the spring of 2015 leaving an incredible visual legacy. I am grateful to have a preserved several of her images to continue to inspire myself and others. Artistic ability is something we ALL have. We just have to