Limelight on local artists

Steve Barber

Steve Barber, Harrisburg artist, remembers that as children, he and his sister loved to draw and paint. Through his school years, Steve says that he has ran into some pretty important people and instructors who took a liking to his work, especially his teacher Charles Acri. At the time of his high school graduation, not sure of what path to pursue, Barber enrolled in the Art Institute of Philadelphia to study visual communication. He received his associate degree in Visual Communications from the institute.

After leaving the Art Institute and not being able to find a job in his field, he decided to continue his painting. Ms. Sophia, an instructor at the Art Institute of Philadelphia told him that “there is a gift in his painting, and that he should never give it up”.

In 1988 Barber joined The Art Association of Harrisburg (AAH) and is still an active member. Steve says that the greatest influence on his work was his instructor the late expressionist Charles “Li” Hidley of Harrisburg.

Currently, Steve serves as the Art Director at Nyeusi Gallery and the Chief Operating Officer of Ethel Lee Vintage and Art (ELVA). His work has been featured on the cover of Burg Magazine, Highmark Blue Shield, Widner University, Penn National Insurance Company, Penn State University Harrisburg Campus, Boyer and Ritter Company, Belco Credit Union, Allision Hill Policing Center, and Schein/Ernst/Mishrai. His most coveted honor was being featured in the International Contemporary Artist vol X catalog. Steve has also received the Gold Key Award for his work entitled The Wardrobe. In addition, he received the Mid Susquehanna Carroll Award in a major competition.

Steve says, “His goal and inspiration is to paint with his design sense, imagination, spiritual mind-set, and letting his skill set dictate what the actual creation is.”

Steve Barber’s work can be found at the Nyeusi Gallery, ethelleevintage.com, barberartstudio.com, bostixs@instagram and he can be reached at barberartstudio@yahoo.com.