For over six decades, The Barn Studio of Art has been a place where people learn to create art. The Barn was the vision of painter Pat Witt, known as Millville’s Artist Laureate. Pat molded it into a community – anchored in a special space with a non-threatening, relaxed and nurturing atmosphere. It is a treasured resource for anyone interested in tapping into their creative side.
At 96 years young, Pat’s passion is undimmed. (She is working on her second book!) But the physical work of running The Barn brings challenges. Her daughter, Carole Witt Mankin, is steward to her mother’s legacy. As executive director, she manages the day-to-day, with help from a talented and engaged board of directors – which includes two of Pat’s grandchildren.
“We have a beautiful system here. Pat still lives at The Barn and is active providing invaluable guidance and ideas,” Carole explains. And the artists and leaders Pat trained are doing today’s teaching and innovating. One innovation, The Barn’s community outreach program, that has exposed over 800 children to both visual and performing arts this year.
“Pat has touched so many lives over 62 years. We feel The Barn is an essential part of the Millville community and the whole county. Our family is committed to keeping it going, indefinitely,” Carole says.
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