Barbara Zipperer – Simple Artist Statement

By Alex M Wolff on January 27, 2021 • ( Leave a comment )

Barbara is a Wisconsin based artist available for commissioned art and original work in various mediums.

Barbara was born and raised in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

While growing up her parents owned a cottage in northern Oconto County, Wisconsin. At that time this area was still forest land and the population was mostly native american. On weekends at their cottage her father enjoyed taking the family out into the forest in an old army jeep exploring anything that might look close to a trail or old logging road. This is where the love and appreciation of beautiful landscapes began. In fact, many of her artworks today are based on photos taken by her mother while out on family adventures. They not only adventured on land, but on inland lakes as well, the family also owned a boat. Barb and her father liked to fish. When at home in Two Rivers, the family lived only a few city blocks from Lake Michigan. So you can see how Barb was surrounded by beautiful scenery. She was awarded a scholarship as a junior in high school for a summer art program at UWGB by the Lakeshore Pallettiers in 1974. After high school her life became all about her family for many years.

In 2017, Barbara took her mother into her home to take care of her the last few months of her life.

It was her mother who reminded her that she was good at art

and that she should paint again. Her mother insisted that she start up her art practice again and went as far as giving her a 2×2 black & white photo to paint in color. That got her started again and she never looked back!

Barbara took several classes that summer at the Peninsula School of Art in Fish Creek, WI to refresh her skills. Barbara studied under the late Kitty Klich for one year and then for a year with Bonnita Budysz, a world-wide artist. Barbara’s work has an impressionist aire to it. She has had her paintings accepted into juried shows in NE Wisconsin. She has been part of several group exhibits with the Water’s Edge Artists and the Green Bay Arts Unlimited groups. Last year her work was in a co- exhibit with another artist; she had her first solo exhibit in August & September of 2020 at the Steele Street Trading Co. & Gallery, located in Algoma, Wisconsin. Her work can also be found at this location year around.

I love to sit at the beach or walk

through wooded areas. Not everyone lives where there is access to natural beauty, so I like to share with others through my artwork. I believe that when I help others, they will in turn help me directly or indirectly. So I give back in these ways.

One example of this is the Waters Edge Artists group. They give 20% of their sales from group events to organizations who work to preserve our natural environment. These proceeds help fund organizations such as the NorthEast Wisconsin Land Trust.

I personally donate up to 50%

of my sales in some projects. The Showcase Benefit for Painting Pathways in Manitowoc, Wisconsin was one example of this.

I also like to help others on an individual level. To help bring some cheer to cancer patients at the Bellin Cancer Center, Green Bay, Wisconsin, I volunteer my time to demo paint in the infusion center while individuals receive treatments. This one is my favorite way to give back because I get to see people enjoy my work in real time.

Barbara currently lives with her husband David, in Mishicot, Wisconsin. She has three adult children of her own. If you live in Wisconsin, there is a good chance that you could stumble upon her painting at a peaceful location near you!