ARTIST BIO
Barbara Melnik Carson grew up in Southwest Detroit. She is a first generation American with Ukrainian roots. The ethnically rich, economically stressed surroundings of her youth still inform her life and art today.
She is and always has been a maker, in the traditional sense. Beginning in childhood she had a passion for crafting objects. With her mother’s help getting sawdust, she created her first clay sculpture at age 7.
Her path as an adult included jobs as pickle packer, paralegal, crisis counselor, theater major, and occupational therapist, with a BA in Communications and a BS in Occupational Therapy, only to discover she has always been an artist.
Over the years as an artist, she has shown in 100 juried and invitational exhibitions in galleries and museums in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri and Canada. She has participated in art fairs and public art projects. Barbara has also served on the board of two artist associations, a Ukrainian Women’s organization and the Ukrainian Museum in Hamtramck.
Given her experience working in Mental Health, her teaching focuses on process not just product. She has taught sculpting workshops to students from ages 4 to 80, in her studio, in galleries, and in classrooms, including Lansing Community College and the University of Michigan.
Her 3 month artist residency at the Lviv National Academy of Arts (LNAM) in 2019 continues to fuel her creative process.
© Barbara Melnik Carson