Brescia University is hosting an art exhibition featuring work by 1976 alumnus Jim Barr. “The Beauty of Wood” features pieces from more than 30 years ago but also includes recent relief sculptures.
Barr’s interest in art began in 1971 at Brescia College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in art under the tutelage of Sr. Mary Diane Taylor and Fred Stephens. In 1985, Barr moved to Minnesota and earned a master’s degree in systematic theology from St. John’s University.
Most of his career work was in the construction field: homebuilding and remodeling, liturgical furnishings, cabinet making, and furniture making. In 1994, Barr started a 24-year tenure as construction facilitator for the Daviess County Board of Education. During all those jobs he utilized what he learned while a student at Brescia — composition, form vs. function, color balance, and other concepts — and integrated those skills into every project, whether an altar, a table, or a school building.
Barr retired about 4 years ago and took up relief sculpture, sometimes with painting and other times with only the sculpted form.
“The Beauty of Wood” will be available to view from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday through January 26 in the C.E. Field Center for Professional Studies, located at the corner of Frederica and 9th Streets.
