about the show
The West Nebraska Arts Center, with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the National Endowment for the Arts is pleased to present Where I Hang My Heart by Roberta R. Barnes. She captures the alluringly subtle beauty of the Sandhills in Nebraska. Barnes illuminates her paintings with the soul and spirit of the visage around her. This show will have graphite, oil, mixed media, and gouache. Her subject matter is mostly landscape of the Sandhill area. Today she is retired from her 28-year career of teaching and lives on her 30 – year old ranch with her husband. Barnes graduated from Concordia University of Nebraska. She then continued her art education at the University of Northern Colorado. Barnes is a member Burkholder Project of Lincoln, Ne, Impact Nebraska Artist, and the American Plains Artists.
artist statement
“Living in the Sandhills of Nebraska provides many opportunities to witness and experience the beauty of the region. The Sandhills are a constant source of imagery for me. They are filled with simple beauty that is subtle and yet alluring. The images I see become the subjects for my paintings. I hope to express the spirit and soul of the Sandhills by inviting the viewer to participate at a deeper emotional level.
I choose to express the soul of the scene through control of light, color and mood. I begin by painting en plein aire, working through my studies to develop the image. I use design placement, value and color to create a feeling unique to the time and quality of the day. Through my paintings I hope to express the evolving changes of life, the changing season, and communicate the feeling that we live a vulnerable, but blessed life.”
special thanks
Special thanks to volunteers Laura Clark and Karen Mecklem for their assistance in the gallery. Also thank you to the West Nebraska Arts Center Board for bringing food to the reception.
about WNAC
The West Nebraska Arts Center is a 501c3 cultural non-profit organization committed to education, awareness, and excellence in the arts, serving the North Platte Valley Region. WNAC is located at the corner of 1st Avenue and 18th Street in Scottsbluff, NE. Visit the gallery free of charge Tuesday through Friday, 10 to 5, Saturdays from 1 to 5. We are closed on Sunday and Monday. You can also visit our website for upcoming attractions at www.thewnac.com. Also, find us on Facebook and Instagram.
show your support
WNAC is supported by local businesses and individuals who value having the Arts Center in our community. Do you support WNAC with an annual membership gift? If not, please consider joining our efforts. Members of the West Nebraska Arts Center receive first notification of our events. Members also receive gallery postcards, a monthly newsletter, discounts on gallery and gift shop purchases, as well as classes, workshops, fundraiser tickets, and other special events. You will also receive the WNAC newsletter and invitations to special events. Activate or renew your membership online at www.thewnac.com, by visiting the Arts Center office, or call 308-632-2226.
