Barbara A. Outterson: LEGACY April 1 – April 30, 2025

Barbara A. Outterson. Painting the Roses, 2024. Acrylic on canvas

Artist Barbara A. Outterson’s poignant solo exhibition “Legacy” delves deeply into her personal journey as she reflects on the defining moments of her life. Through an introspective collection of works, she navigates the themes of memory, forgiveness, loss, and growth, focusing on the joyful times that uplifted her and the traumas that shaped her resilience. Each painting is rich with emotion and serves as a visual journal, inviting viewers to witness her triumphs, struggles, and self-reclamation. "Legacy” is a celebration of the complexity and strength of the human spirit, inspiring viewers to reflect on their own stories with compassion. 

“The “Legacy” series is based upon years of introspection and a genuine desire to heal a lifetime of physical and emotional pain. In my adulthood, there has been an urgency in me to identify ancestral baggage that has tainted the lives of the women in my family.  My faith has given me the strength to shatter the chain of despair, so that my children might see and believe in genuine transformation. They are witnessing a new legacy, materializing daily, as I heal and give them the best of my love. There is a great deal of allusion to "Alice In Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll, in this set of paintings. My romance with the story began when I was a tiny child. I instinctively knew, that like Alice, I was seeking home amidst madness.” -Barbara A. Outterson

Location: Southeast Regional Library, 908 7th Ave, Garner, NC 27529

Dates: April 1 through April 30, 2025

Pictured Artwork:  Barbara A. Outterson. Painting the Roses, 2024. Acrylic on canvas

 Associated Programming

Slow Art Day: Pause, Reflect, Discover, Saturday, April 5, 2025, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Slow Art Day is an international event dedicated to looking at art more deeply. Come celebrate Slow Art Day with us and spend time with other art lovers contemplating and discussing pieces from Barbara A. Outterson's "Legacy" exhibition. During this session, you'll receive a list of three paintings for slow looking. Then, we invite you to take part in an engaging discussion led by the artist and the exhibition curator. Location: Southeast Regional Library, 908 7th Ave, Garner, NC 27529

Opening Reception & Artist Talk, Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Join us for an engaging discussion with artist Barbara A. Outterson to learn more about her practice and the inspiration for her work. Location: Southeast Regional Library, 908 7th Ave, Garner, NC 27529

Breaking the Silence About Childhood Trauma & PTSD, Saturday, April 12, 2025, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Join our guest mental health practitioner Camilla Y. Black, M.Ed., LCMHC for a discussion about how childhood trauma can follow us throughout life, and learn strategies for counteracting the negative effects of trauma. Location: Southeast Regional Library, 908 7th Ave, Garner, NC 27529

Stop the stigma. Break the silence. Support mental health awareness. You’re not alone... If you’re experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises, you can find help through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, either online or by texting or dialing 988.

Exhibition Playlist

This playlist was created by artist Barbara A. Outterson and features a selection of songs inspired by works in her Legacy exhibition. Click here to listen along while you work, play, or visit the exhibition. 

Click the Image Below to View Exhibition Palm Card