Creating art isn’t particularly new to Barb Harpst, so when she was asked to participate in this year’s Not So Bad Art by Good People contest, she was ready to challenge herself … in a peaceful kind of way.
Harpst first picked up a paintbrush later in life—about nine years ago—and soon was using the newfound talent around the county.
“I feel God gave this gift to me to bless others,” she admitted. “So I use [it] at nursing homes, the Recovery Zone and churches. I do my best to help people create their own art.”
Until now, Harpst has stuck with acrylic paint for her work. To make this project more of a challenge, though, she decided to try her hand at watercolor. A different experience she enjoyed.
Born in Kenton, Harpst moved often in her youth thanks to her stepfather’s position in the Army. This included living in Germany as a teenager. But she came back to Ohio in time to graduate from Kenton High School before moving to Logan County. A resident here since 1990, Harpst started working at Citizens Federal Savings & Loan in 2000.
Harpst confessed she was honored to be included as a Not So Bad artist. “I love art programs, and I am happy to support the Logan County Art League,” she said.
As for her project, she knew two things: it needed to be related to warm weather and the water, specifically lakeside living. She ended up with a red, white and blue beached rowboat against calm blue waters and sky.
Though she questioned her choices several times, Harpst kept going, determined to finish her work. She was willing to start over, if necessary, but admits she was happy with how it turned out.
Harpst described her process in this piece as slower, which allowed her to let her mind wander into the scene. “I learned to have patience and to not be obsessed with perfection,” she said.
“Since I started creating art late in life,” Harpst stated, “I am thankful to be included.”
The Not So Bad Art by Good People fundraiser once again gathered art work by local celebrities. Each piece will be on display at Citizens during bank lobby hours, Monday through Friday, until Friday, Jan. 31. People can vote on their favorite by putting $1 in the artist’s box next to the particular piece.
That winner will be announced at a celebration event and dinner starting at 5 p.m. on Jan. 31 at Honey Birch Farm, 550 Township Road 30E, West Liberty, where each of the works of art will be auctioned off. All proceeds from the votes and the auction will go to the Logan County Art League.
Anyone in the community can attend. Tickets for food and drinks, including dinner at 6 p.m., can be purchased online for $30. Reservations are due by Friday, Jan. 24. You can find the form at logancountyartleague.org or by emailing [email protected].