Posts by Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled "Embroidered Life" that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.

June 19, 2020

Powerful Embroidered Portraits Shine Light on Targeted Women of Color [Interview]

Artist Nneka Jones creates portraits highlighting women of color who have suffered injustices in the world. Some abuses are overt while others are ingrained in the fabric of our society and therefore often go overlooked. But to the people in her mixed media and embroidered portraits, the effects are traumatic. The Black women and girls depicted in Jones’ work are victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

Read Article



June 10, 2020

Artist Reimagines Picnic Table as Massive Tree That Welcomes People to Come Together

Artist Michael Beitz has reimagined an outdoor table with his massive design called Tree Picnic. Spanning 20 feet by 50 feet, the piece comprises a tabletop with attached seating that is in the shape of a leafless tree. Its form features a trunk that has branches moving in different directions that allow for multiple parties to sit at the one table.

Read Article