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.

February 6, 2026

Valentine’s Day Sale at My Modern Met Store: Save 15% on All of Our Creative Products

The sweetest day of the year is quickly approaching—one that’s synonymous with love and tasty treats. We’re talking about Valentine’s Day! To celebrate this lovely holiday, My Modern Met Store is having a Valentine’s Day Sale. From now until February 14 at 11:59 PM PST, use the code MYVALENTINE to save 15% on your entire order on everything in our shop. (This includes our sale items.)

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February 2, 2026

RIP Catherine O’Hara: Hilarious Legendary ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Actor Dies at 71

The world is mourning the loss of an iconic comedic actor. Catherine O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71. Known for numerous roles spanning television and film, the pain of her sudden death is felt by her collaborators and fans alike. Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, O’Hara got her start in improv and sketch comedy at Second City Toronto.

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January 28, 2026

The Story Behind the Perfectly Unposed Shot of Six Lions Relaxing Together in Tanzania

Arranged in a perfect line atop a dirt mound, six relaxed male lions sit with their legs draped over the grassy crest. Their faces hold a neutral expression, as if they’re taking a break from being ferocious. Some look off in the distance, while a couple look directly at Daniel Dolpire’s camera. The South Africa-based photographer captured this incredible shot in 2012 while in Tanzania.

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January 22, 2026

Wooden Figurative Sculptures Explore Contrasts in How Nature and Humankind Exist as One

Nature is full of dualities. It can be hard and soft, or aggressive and gentle, all at the same time. The space between the opposite ends of the spectrum is ripe for exploration, and it’s an idea that Italian artist Christian Verginer explores in his wooden figurative sculptures. Verginer’s oeuvre features young people, often children and adolescents, carved from limewood and fused with nature in some way.

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