Barbara McFadyen is an enamelist and metalsmith, designing Fine Art Jewelry for nearly four decades. She lives in Chapel Hill, NC where she has been a partner at Creative Metalsmiths, a hand-wrought Jewelry Gallery, since 1982. She has studied with many notable enamelists including, Bill Helwig, Martha Banyas, Elizabeth Turrell, Mi-Sook Hur, and Jamie Bennett. Currently, Barbara is pursuing her MFA in Metal Design, in the School of Art and Design at East Carolina University.
Barbara has become nationally recognized through exhibitions and competitions sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, American Crafts Council, Society of North American Goldsmiths, and the Enamelist Society. Most recently, Barbara won a 2nd Place Award in the Rebel 57 Juried Competition sponsored by Pitt County Arts Council. She enjoys teaching workshops has taught at John Campbell Folk School, Arrowmont, Peter’s Valley School of Crafts and most recently, Penland School.
Barbara also serves as a member of the board of trustees for the Penland School of Crafts, the Grable Foundation, and Chairman of the Nicholson Foundation. When not in her studio making jewelry or enameled books, Barbara enjoys playing the piano and spending time with her husband, four children and four grandchildren.
“I have been involved with the ArtsCenter for over half my life in many ways. First, as a mother- bringing my two children to the Family shows and art camps, to a young parent enjoying nights out at Swing dance classes and concert events. I have served on the Board of Directors, as well as teaching classes in the ArtsCenter Jewelry School. In my role as a trustee for the Grable Foundation and Chairman of The Nicholson Foundation, I have brought valuable support for the programming of the ArtsCenter since 1994.”
Barbara has generously donated a pair of limited edition Halfmoon Swing Loop earrings to The ArtsCenter’s Silent Auction, on display throughout the month of June in the Nicholson Gallery. To place a bid for these 14K gold and sterling silver earrings, visit our box office or call us at (919) 929-2787. Bids starting at $180 will be accepted until 5PM on June 28th.
