Wednesday
May 1, 2024 
The Silverman Gallery of Bucks County Impressionist Art presents a collection of art from award-winning local artist Joseph Barrett.
The public is invited to opening receptions taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 4 and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 5. The exhibit runs through July 19.
With the gallery since its inception in 2011, Barrett’s work is immediately recognizable and much sought after. Collectors from as near as Buckingham and as far away as Boulder, Colo., and San Francisco are loyal followers of his work.
Recent arrivals to the area see his work at neighbors’ homes and public spaces and decide to find a place for it in their surroundings as they settle in. His work is often chosen by designers of the Bucks County Designer House to add a special touch to their spaces.
Fellow Silverman artist Trisha Vergis describes Barrett’s paintings as welcoming you in. “A bend in the road more obviously takes you into his landscapes, but he has carefully placed each element to keep you connected. There is always something much more to take in beyond his trees and picket fences.”
Born in 1936, Joseph Barrett began his Lahaska studio and gallery almost 50 years ago. Cheerful, colorful and whimsical are words often used to describe his oil paintings done with bold brushwork and presented in his signature frames. A collector himself of iconic Harer and Badura frames, he designed the frames to continue the tradition of Bucks County frame-making.
Barrett planned his painting sizes, stretching his own canvas or linen. They are often two inches off square, such as 30 by 32.” He didn’t want his work seen in just any decorative frame as he preferred his own designs.
The last time an exhibition of Barrett’s work was slated for the Silverman Gallery was March 21, 2020. It was ready to open, advertising and show postcards were out for the scheduled opening. Then, as the world began its unexpected shutdown, the show was shuttered along with the gallery for the next three months. What was amazing and heartening was the outpouring of support from art lovers and collectors.
Clients would call and ask to see a Barrett they saw in the Herald or online. Gallery owner Rhonda Garland explains, “I would rotate paintings in and out of the display windows or set paintings on an easel facing out the glass front door. People were buying and more than happy to wait for our reopening for pick-up. Their support meant there would definitely be a re-opening that June, the show gradually became a success!”
Join the Silverman Gallery in celebrating Barrett’s latest collection of work.
The gallery also represents: Jennifer Hansen Rolli, David Stier, Desmond McRory, Jim Rodgers, Anita Shrager, Jean Childs Buzgo, Jonathan Mandell, Glenn Harrington, Evan Harrington, Trisha Vergis and Rhonda Garland.
The gallery is located in the Buckingham Green Shopping Center on Route 202, just north of Route 413. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, and also by appointment. For more information, visit silvermangallery.com or call 215-794-4300.
1
“Delaware River” is by Joseph Barrett.
2
“Old Road to Lahaska” is by Joseph Barrett.
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