Celebrating 20 Years as Barrington’s Signature Magazine
Celebrating 20 Years as Barrington’s Signature Magazine
Art in the Barn had its first art show in 1976 across the street from Good Shepherd Hospital and then soon after moved to the white barns directly on hospital grounds where the event is held today. Carolyn Husemoller and Jill Funk were both local art teachers at the time—in their homes and then as founders of Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art—and joined forces with others who also served as original founders and artists of the event. Today at 97, Jill Funk still teaches one day a week at Kaleidoscope and recalls those early days.
“Art in the Barn was the first big art event in Barrington,” Funk said. “It shaped how people looked at art, and everyone looked forward to the show. It was such a beautiful event.” In addition to raising local interest in art and being an educational event, Funk notes that the effort brought so much value to the hospital, as a portion of sale proceeds is earmarked for hospital projects that have driven improvements in the quality of care each year since the start. Here are some historical newspaper photos and some original art of both Carolyn Husemoller and Jill Funk who led the way.
The September 30, 1976, cover of the Barrington Courier featured Art in the Barn. On the ladder is Carolyn Husemoller, who coordinated the event. Artists pictured include (from left) Jill Funk (Barrington; clay sculpture); Michael Croonborg (Libertyville, photography); Carolyn Guerra (Barrington, prints); Debbie Woythal (Barrington, fibers); and Virginia Miller (Cary, Norwegian folk art of rosemaling). Admission was $1 for those over 16.
Art in the Barn has always been a favorite art show of mine. I mostly enjoy the casual and rustic setting that this location offers. I believe that the caliber of artist in this show is better than average from the different art shows I’ve participated in throughout the years. I also like this venue because it is close to home and I meet so many of my present and past clients. It’s a good way for me to stay in touch. I find late September to be the perfect time of year. Of course, the weather is never guaranteed, but as far as I can remember, the weather has always been spectacular. Also, the location of my booth is phenomenal—on the deck right at the entrance!
Art in the Barn holds a special place in my heart and in the heart of our community. As an artist who has lived in Barrington for 26 years and participated in this show for nearly 20 years, raised two sons in this town, I’ve built deep connections with families and friends who have come to know and appreciate my one-of-a-kind designs. Being part of this annual tradition—celebrated for the past 50 years on the beautiful grounds of Good Shepherd Hospital—means so much to me. It’s more than just an exhibition; it’s a gathering that celebrates creativity, friendship, and the shared spirit that makes our community so special.
Art in the Barn is one of my favorite places to share my paintings. Every year it feels like the whole Barrington community—and friends from nearby towns—come together to make it such a special event. I always end up meeting familiar faces—teachers from when my kids were little, families who’ve been part of our lives for years, and so many kind supporters. My husband, who works at Good Shepherd, takes great pride in helping me set up—it’s become a little tradition for us. The event runs so beautifully, thanks to the incredible leadership and amazing team of volunteers who make everyone feel so welcome.
Brenner was born in Germany and graduated from Cincinnati’s Edgecliff College in 1978 with a B.A. in Drawing & Painting. She studied with and was influenced by Wolf Kahn, Susan Sarback, Doug Dawson and Albert Handell.
Her work starts with a focus on the fundamental nature of a scene – values, colors and shapes – using a “Notan” study, a Japanese method of examining lights and darks. She alternates between landscapes and abstracts.
Brenner’s work is exhibited and collected throughout the United States. She is represented in the Chicagoland area exclusively by the Art Post Gallery in Northbrook. To learn more, visit artpostgallery.com or call 847-272-7659.
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