Barbara Joann Combs

About Barbara Joann Combs

Barbara Joann Combs, artist, art educator, community arts collaborator born in Los Angeles, California, has worked within the discipline of visual arts since childhood. Barbara holds a B.A. with distinction in visual arts from Fayetteville State University, has written and taught curriculum for art fundamentals courses at Seventy-First High School, North Carolina for seven years. Awarded a MA and MFA in Community Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art. Barbara has worked within five Baltimore communities facilitating four quilt projects and two summer youth programs creating murals. A community mural was a collaboration with the Johnson Square neighborhood at Ambrose Kennedy Park and pool. During the pandemic a virtual community workshop was developed with Greenbelt Recreation Arts for African American History Month. Barbara’s recent exhibits include \"Black Artists of D.C.\", James E. Lewis Museum of Art, Baltimore;\"What Do You See When You Look At Me?\", Glen Echo Popcorn Gallery;\"What Is Ours\", Songs That Make Us Move\", and “Hand Made” in Maryland,\"Occupy the Moment: Embracing Our History, Enhancing Our Impact\", Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL. Within the Greenbelt community at the City Council Chambers, Greenbelt News Review, and New Deal Cafe. Past exhibits include Lowe House, Montpelier Arts Center, Serendipity Labs, Gallery Miriam, and Pyramid Atlantic. Ms. Combs currently teaches art education in Prince George\'s County at Gaywood Elementary. She paints murals on the walls and doors of the school with Pre-K through 5th grade students. In addition, Combs partners with high schools to facilitate mural painting within Gaywood to fulfill students’ Service Learning hours. You can visit Barbara in her studio in Greenbelt.

Experience

1. Art Teacher

   Prince George's County Public Schools

   Aug 2014 — Present

   Developing lesson plans using the Maryland content standards and indicators for art, reading, writing, science, mathematics and social studies as a framework to teach concepts and lead exploration in the elements of art, organizing principles of design and art history using the techniques of drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and crafts. Collaborating with teachers of core subjects to lead Kindergarten through 5th grade youth in art exploration.Maintain communications with students, parents, peers and administration; develop systems of organization; and further professional development using electronic technology.Develop and maintain afterschool activities; ArtClub and GardenClub.Partner with Charles H. Flowers and Duvall High Schools\' Art Department to be a provider of Student Service-Learning hours at Gaywood ES. Oversee students\' develop and plan ideas for murals; draw and paint approved designs on doors and walls; follow through with all aspects of clean-up and maintenance of equipment used; and collaborate with up to 10 peers at a time. Documentation of hours and letters of recommendation given upon request.

Education

• University of North Carolina at Pembroke

  Art Teacher Education

  2002 — 2003

• Maryland Institute College of Art

  Master of Art & Master of Fine Arts, Community Arts

  2009 — 2011

• Fayetteville State University

  Bachelor of Arts, Visual Arts

  1998 — 2002