Artist and manager, Sherry Barnett, has paintings with a country flavor. Her work is on canvas, saw blades, clocks, gourds, powder horns, and other decorative arts pieces. Raised in Indianapolis with six younger brothers, Sherry graduated from Emrich Manual High School. Sherry met the love of her life, Ken Barnett, at Marsh’ s Supermarket where they both were working. Upon their marriage and setting up housekeeping in the country, Sherry immersed herself in country life and mothering their three children: Mark, Shannon, and Amy. When the children were in school, Sherry began painting. With a few lessons under her belt, she branched out on her own with oils on canvas. She especially loves painting on country pieces and is known for her decorative saw blades.
Sherry delights in the gallery, and it shows. She and Ken painted the walls and doors, put in new display panels, and added more lights. Curtains were hung at the windows, which give it that homey feeling. Artist Pat Woodall suggested spackling the floor, and that became a project undertaken by Pat and Sherry.
Sherry enjoys meeting people and says that Brown County, and especially Nashville, remind her of the Smokies, where she and Ken honeymooned 49 years ago.
Sherry finds it easy to paint while at the Paint Box. She says it is therapeutic for anyone.“ I pick up the brush and it’ s like all thoughts go away except for what I’ m working on.” She encourages artists and would-be-artists to come in and consider showing their creations. New items are continually being added by all the member artists. Beautiful, one-of-a-kind ornaments, cards, and jewelry make lovely gifts for all occasions.
Official hours for the Paint Box are 11 to 5, 7 days a week, April through December 23. January and March, the gallery is open only on the weekends from 11 to 5, weather permitting. It is not open during the month of February. •
Nov./ Dec. 2014 • Our Brown County 21