Exhibitions: Past

Large Tibetan Collar

Barbara Natoli Witt
Turquoise, lapis lazuli, coral, rubies, silver and silk threads
Loaned by Nancy Cooke de Herrera

Barbara Natoli Witt is an artist and designer of jewelry who uses artifacts and beads along with complex macramé techniques from ancient cultures. 

The selections determined for this exhibition are related to the Museum’s antiquities, Asian and pre-Columbian collections.  Barbara carefully selects colors, designs and artifacts to reflect a specific culture at a specific time in the past. Based on her knowledge and respect for art and history she presents a modern statement reflecting the legacies of past cultures. 

Barbara studied at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York, majoring in fine and graphic art, and specializing in painting, printmaking, calligraphy and color theories. 

Graduating from Cooper Union, Barbara moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where she entered the University of California at Berkeley, to continue her fine arts education.  She has taught a range of art disciplines including tapestry weaving, rug design, lace making and macramé. One of her students, who was also a bead and artifact collector, caused Barbara to become fascinated with the symbolism and use of beads and artifacts in art and she began developing the techniques that she uses today.  Her designs have become more elaborate and intricate with the discoveries made from each challenge.  All of her necklaces are woven and knotted with hand dyed threads and each is one-of-a-kind.

The exhibit will be shown in the Arcade Gallery from January 20th to March 18th, 2007. 

There will be a limited edition catalogue with color images of all the necklaces on exhibit. For more information on Barbara Natoli Witt, www.necklaceart.com.