Artist, Painter, Educator, Entrepreneur

Barbara (Farmer) Harris is a multidisciplinary artist, painter, educator, and entrepreneur whose work spans fine art, painting, fashion design, and arts education. With a career extending over five decades, Harris has cultivated a practice rooted in instinctive creativity, disciplined craftsmanship, mentorship, and community engagement.

Harris’s artistic vision emerged in early childhood. At the age of five, she described seeing blue leaves among autumn foliage, an intuitive perception that foreshadowed a lifelong commitment to trusting artistic vision beyond conventional boundaries. Her mother recognized this creative gift early and ensured consistent artistic training, enrolling Harris in weekly art classes at the Barn Art Studio in Vineland, New Jersey under the guidance of Patricia Witt. As the only African American student in her class, Harris developed a strong sense of independence and confidence in her artistic voice.

Harris later earned a bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy from New Jersey State College, strengthening her foundation in both creative practice and the therapeutic dimensions of art. She went on to become an entrepreneur as the owner and sole designer of Barbara Harris Custom Designs, previously located in Philadelphia’s historic Fabric Row district, where she produced custom garments and bridal wear known for meticulous craftsmanship and originality.

A pioneer in African-American representation in the visual arts, Harris developed the painting series Preparing for the Millennium, which centers African-American youth engaged with technology, encouraging young people to envision computers and innovation as accessible and attainable realities. D. H. Coles selected her works to be exhibited at the Franklin Institute. Futher exibiting at the International Collector Exhibition in Rosemont, Illinois, where her work was well received.

In addition to her studio practice, Harris has remained deeply committed to arts education. She has taught art at private institutions in Vineland, New Jersey and has consistently emphasized mentorship, intuition, and discipline as essential tools for creative growth. More recently, she co-taught a course in collaboration with Microsoft, reflecting her ability to bridge traditional artistic foundations with contemporary technology.

Now at 67, Barbara Farmer Harris continues to create, teach, and mentor. She recently collaborated in live painting experiences at the Salamander, working alongside her daughter, artist Mary Harris, exemplifying an intergenerational exchange of knowledge, presence, and artistic legacy.

Guided by a belief that creativity is both a spiritual and communal responsibility, Harris’s work reflects a lifelong commitment to expression, education, and the intentional use of one’s gifts to inspire future generations.