Nestled on rustic wooded acreage in Millville, New Jersey, The Barn Studio of Art is housed in a former hay barn and flower shop. For more than 50 years The Barn has been a draw for the southern New Jersey art community. The originator and driving force for The Barn is Patricia Vanaman Witt, who reflects a positive art spirit and offers all students a warm haven for their creative outlets. Born February 10, 1927, Pat Witt began studying art in 1937, attending the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Glassboro State College. She has had many one-woman shows, and has been part of group shows for more than 40 years at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Art Alliance, The Noyes Museum, Brian Parent Center, and as part of the American Painters in Paris Bicentennial in 1976 in Paris, France. The Barn Studio is considered on of Pat’s biggest works of art. She founded it in 1962 and has taught and inspired thousands of children and adults with her enthusiasm for the arts. Recognized for her many achievements, her biggest reward comes from her students who have gone on to become accomplished freelance artists, painters, potters, architects, photographers, commercial artists, illustrators, graphic designers and art teachers. Pat and The Barn associates have taught thousands of students, from 4 years old to over 80 years of age, taking classes in painting, both nature and still life, drawing, pastels and pottery. Not just a studio but a sanctuary, The Barn is surrounded by trees, plants, flower gardens, and its very own pond. Inside The Barn is light and airy, filled with plants, easels, antiques, costumes, statuary, a cat a dog or two and boxes of recyclable. All are utilized to build a still life or backdrop for experiments and masterpieces. Classes are available weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays, during the fall, winter and spring, as well as with guest instructors for summer classes. The Barn offers unique opportunities for a limited number of students each year through apprentice and mentoring programs.
814 Whitaker Avenue, Millville, NJ 08332. 856-825-5028. www.barnstudio.org