More about Barn Colony Artists

Who are the Barn Colony Artists?
Barn Colony Artists logo
We are a not-for-profit organization of practitioners and friends of the arts. We enjoy art. Some of us are beginners and some of us are advanced. Art is a hobby for most of us but we have some professional quality artists in our group and many of us have sold our work.

Our members are eighteen years of age or older and come from Decatur and neighboring communities 
Do you have to be an artist to join?
No, but you need to have an interest in the visual arts. Our membership includes beginners, advanced amateurs, as well as professionals.

How did you get the name, "Barn Colony Artists"?
In 1939, local artists formed a group for the purpose of shared learning as well as providing arts education to the community. This group met on the ground floor of the barn/carriage house at the James Millikin homestead, 125 North Pine Street. The group adopted the name "Barn Colony" and met regularly in the barn for the next 30 years.

Where do you meet and how often?
We meet at the Madden Arts Center (Decatur Area Arts Council), 125 North Water Street, 2nd floor (there is a BCA sign by the elevator), Decatur, each Wednesday during the fall, winter and spring months. We start the meeting at 3:00 P.M.and conclude by 5;00 P.M., usually with a short break around 4 P.M.

What do you do at the meetings?
Most meetings are hands-on opportunities!
Members or other qualified instructors provide instruction or demonstrate techniques in different media such as pencil, ink, watercolor, acrylics, pastel, pencils & charcoal.  Other topics including sculpture, photography, art history. Perspective and composition are also shared.

Who provides the needed supplies?
All supplies for the sessions are the responsibility of each participant unless it is announced differently. Supply lists will be made available prior to the start of each session.

Do you ever have art shows?
YES! Throughout the year Barn Colony arranges shows and sales at various local sites.
Barn Colony artists at the Freedom Gallery
Barn Colony Artists artwork at the
Freedom Gallery Experience
July 2015
Tabernacle Baptist Church
A spring show and competition for members is held annually. At this show entries are judged and critiqued by an independent professional. Ribbons and prizes are awarded in many categories including a NOVICE class for beginners. The highest honor awarded is "Best of Show".

Who pays the instructors?
Funding is through membership dues, donations & fund raising activities.

How much does it cost to be a member?
Annual dues are $85 individual and $120 family (2 people) entitle you to participate in all Barn Colony events and to serve on the board.

How can I become a member?
Visit our booth at Arts in Central Park (September) OR come to one of our scheduled sessions OR see our membership page for more information. See "Dues Form"
Can I find you on Facebook?
YES! Visit our Facebook/Barn Colony Artists page. See "Dues Form" Page

Featured Post

Decatur Area Arts Council Grant Awarded!

  The Decatur Area Arts Council awarded Barn Colony Artists, Inc. $1600 for a grant applied for last year! THANK YOU DAAC!  The purpose of t...