Staff Spotlight: Barbara Paris
We're adding a new section of inspiration in our center - staff picks! Each month we'll rotate our valued staff's favorite items in the store and feature a customized project tutorial with supplies. To go along with the center display, we are spotlighting the staff member so you can get to know the folks who make ACR run on a day-to-day basis. Up first, longtime shift lead and workshop instructor Barbara Paris!
How did you find Austin Creative Reuse?
A friend told me about ACR because I’m an artist. I was blown away at the incredible bargains. I started volunteering right away.
What’s your favorite part about working at ACR?
My favorite thing about working at ACR is the community and people. Both, the people I work with, the volunteers and the customers who are more like friends and it makes me happy every day to see them. The people I’ve met over the past four years are creative, interesting, kind, and all-around beautiful people.
Are you an artist, crafter, or maker? What mediums do you work with?
I am an artist and I have painted since I was very young and could get my fingers on paint. I do a lot of large scale paintings that typically have paper, glass, string beads and more. My two paintings below, Kaboom and Big Bird are made with oil paints and paper. The barrel I made is with acrylic paints, paper, beds, and glaze.
What do you do when you’re not working at ACR?
I teach art. I work in my yard, I love to, play tennis, hang out with my kids, and ride my bike.
What’s the craziest thing you found in donation mountain?
Somebody’s teeth in a little jar.
Tutorial: A Reuse Menorah
[embed]https://youtu.be/5TQvlDH82Gs[/embed]
About Barbara:
I discovered ACR in 2016 as a teacher and artist, and I could not believe the variety and affordability that was available to me for my classroom and for my artwork. I quickly began volunteering once a week, and soon after joined the permanent team. As a career, I always felt that teaching was a calling to me, so naturally I brought my passion for education with me as we began forging a path for educators and education. I was born in NYC and raised in New Jersey, and moved to Austin many years ago. I am a mother, and taught in the local public schools after helping to start the children’s museum in New Braunfels and San Antonio, and am also the co-founder of Marmalade Skies, an art studio in Austin. I love working at the center, and love the community and collaboration that is fostered at ACR.
