Barry Colpitts

Five years ago,  on a windy and rainy October day, I had one of my best birthdays ever.  It was a long weekend, combined with vacation and we decided to stay at our cottage on Nova Scotia’s eastern shore. 

My two guys had a special day planned and they would not let the weather hamper them.  We headed off  on a drive that would take us to where my birthday present awaited.  I was told we would by going to Black Sheep Gallery and also Barry Colpitts home studio.  I could pick a piece of folk art of my liking for my birthday.  I only made it to Barry Colpitts home and I had found my special piece, christened by the family “Old Mother Goose”.  This big, bold, blue ducks spends summers at Clam Harbour Beach and winters in Dartmouth. ( he is peeking out behind the picture of Uncle George below)

O asked why he had not gotten folk art for his birthday and requested it at his next.  That July, he took all his birthday money and we went back to visit Mr. Colpitts, and O purchased his very own piece.

A year and a bit later, we made another pilgramage to the studio.  Our baby J was home and it was time for her to pick out her piece.  My dear husbands reminds me he is not the only family member who has not picked out their own piece.

A summer is not the same without a visit to Barry Colpitts.

This past Labour Day the kids and I stopped by Mr. Colpitts home as he had a special something to contribute to Handsmade for Helping, his Uncle George.  He shared that this piece, as other pieces on his property, were inspired by his Uncle George, an RCMP officer. 

 

Uncle George passed away in his eighties, last December, but his memory lives on.

 

Uncle George looks forward to seeing you November 3, 2011

We know Uncle George will find a wonderful new home on November 3 and we are grateful for the wimsy and delight that this folk artist has brought to our family, this event, and the children of Ethiopia.  Thank you for lending a helping hand!

About Barry Colpitts;

Barry Colpitts has been carving since 1989 and his work has become very popular with collectors throughout North America. Many of his carvings are of mermaids, or include mermaids. His brightly decorated house, shown in the picture, has become a popular attraction for local people and tourists alike.
Barry has been featured in numerous magazine and newspaper articles and his environment was the subject of an episode of the Life Channel’s “Weird Homes” in 2001. His work has been shown nationally and was one of 30 finalists out of more than 800 entries in the Imago national art contest in 2002. One of his paintings was purchased by the Nova Scotia Art Bank in 2007. Barry’s artwork was featured on the 2009 Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival poster. His latest carved chair has been added to the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

 

Barry Colpitts Home Studio