Barbara Whelan 1928 - 2024
Painter, arts educator
Barbara was a founding member of the Belleville Art Association, Burlington Fine Arts and Gallery 121, as well as a long-standing member of East Central Ontario Art Association and the Quinte Arts Council. In 1973 she repurposed an old school house in Ameliasburgh for an artist’s workspace and from there started ‘Art on the Fence. The outdoor art and craft show was a 30-year attraction.
Her paintings were city gifts to Belleville’s twin cities of Lahr, Germany and Gunpo, South Korea. Ms. Whelan received the local Quinte Arts Council Arts Recognition Award in 2003.She was revered not only for her prodigious output but her loose, flowing painting style and dedication to the arts community. She taught – and inspired – many artists.
This page was set up in Barbara’s memory.
Barb and John were fortunate to have many long-time good friends. Barb always appreciated the kinship of the many fellow artists with whom she shared her true joy.
Barbara’s early years were spent with her family north of Bancroft living off the land during the depression attending a one room school house where she developed a keen interest in drawing. Barbara spent her life with a balance of family and her artistic passion. She had a successful career as an artist, art teacher and organizer. She was a founding member of the Belleville Art Association, Burlington Fine Arts and Gallery 121, as well as a long standing member of East Central Ontario Art Association and the Quinte Arts Council. In 1973 she repurposed an old school house in Ameliasburgh for an artist’s workspace and from there started “Art on the Fence” an outdoor art and craft show which successfully ran for 30 years. In 1974 “Skating on the Harbour” was gifted to Belleville’s twin city Lahr, Germany and in 2000 to Belleville’s second twin city Gunpo, South Korea another painting depicting the Quinte area. In 2003 Barbara was the proud recipient of the “Arts Recognition Award” from the City of Belleville for her long standing support and contribution to the community. Her paintings can be found in private and corporate collections around Canada and abroad. Barbara asked her students to look beyond what you see. Her paintings reflect her tireless observation of life as well as a lover of landscape and people. Although she is gone her art will live on.
