Featured Artist: Barbara Cosgrove

From Hobbyist to Professional Artist

We're excited to introduce Barbara Cosgrove as our featured artist for this quarter. You'll find her work showcased in the BGT lobby at 1 Ward Parkway.

Her journey as an artist is as compelling as the art she creates. Barbara has always viewed herself as an artist, a passion she set aside as she focused on raising a family. However, her love for art never waned, and as her children grew older, she returned to her studies, which culminated in a Master of Fine Arts in spatial arts from San Jose State University.

Her career took a fascinating turn when she ventured into the world of lamp design, inspired by the idea that the greatest compliment for an artist is to have their work integrated into people's daily lives. Barbara's lamps, recognized for their sculptural beauty, gained national acclaim, featured in prestigious publications like Architectural Digest and Southern Living. They even found their way into celebrity homes.

Her achievements include notable awards such as the 25th Annual Arts Award winner in 2014 and being named Country Living Magazine's "Woman of the Year" in 2007.

Despite her success in the business world, Barbara's heart remained in the studio. In 2020, she made the bold decision to return to painting full-time, leaving behind her lucrative lamp design business at its peak. Now she dedicates her days to painting in her studio at Lake Lotawana, exploring themes of control, discipline and the interplay between chaos and order, a reflection of her experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Barbara's current work is a blend of meticulous symbols and spontaneous brush strokes, a duality that explores the balance between structure and freedom. Her website, barbaracosgroveart.com, offers a glimpse into her diverse portfolio, showcasing her evolution as an artist.

Throughout her career, Barbara has participated in numerous exhibitions, from thought-provoking installations like "One Hundred Empty Chairs" for Dining by Design DIFFA to showcasing her work in Saks Fifth Avenue window displays. These exhibitions highlight her versatility and willingness to engage with complex themes.

Be sure to stop by soon to experience her art!