New Alumni Artist Featured in Tompkins Family Art Gallery

This month we’re saying goodbye to alumni artist James Jeffries and welcoming Abbey Barker. Abbey also is an alumni client of Skyland Trail. Her exhibit includes a beautiful mix of artwork at a variety of price points. The pieces included are watercolor and oil paintings. All artwork is available for purchase, and the display will remain up through the holidays. This is a great opportunity for staff and visitors to support our alumni artists and find a meaningful holiday gift for a loved one. You can see Abbey’s artwork in the Tompkins Family Art Gallery in the Dorothy C. Fuqua Center. If anyone is interested in purchasing a piece, they can reach out to Helen Goldberg at hgoldberg@skylandtrail.org.

About the Artist: 

Abbey Barker is a 24-year-old Atlanta-based artist who focuses on colorful oil paintings. Throughout her life, art has been her way to have an outlet. Abbey started painting at a very early age using watercolors and, by age 10, took it earnestly and fell in love. She is self-taught and ardent about making her life as an artist achievable. Abbey has had a lifelong struggle with mental health and addiction. She was a patient at Skyland Trail in 2019 and 2024. During her time at Skyland, they helped her believe in herself and her ability. Abbey would like to personally thank Skyland for giving her the confidence to share her art with the world and pursue a career in her number one passion. Nearing her four years sober mark, she wants to express her newfound creative and inner freedom. She would like to show those who may feel hopeless that a life worth living is attainable. Abbey would love to inspire others that being different does not mean there isn’t a place for you in this world. You belong and you matter. She has ambition in her purpose: sharing her art with the world and making others feel seen and wanted. You are loved.