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.
Inspiring
March 5, 2025

Celebrated ANGEL ART Auction Turns Creativity Into Compassion for Those Impacted by Los Angeles Wildfires

Art has the power to inspire, connect, and heal. The recent ANGEL ART benefit auction did all three. Held live on February 27, 2025, the event supported the non-profit organization Project Angel Food, doing incredible good for those in need in the Los Angeles area. At the same time, it brought together world-renowned creatives and uplifted local and emerging artists.

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Photo Contest
March 4, 2025

Incredible Winning Images of The Nature Photography Contest 2024

No matter how much we see of this great planet, it'll never cease to amaze us. But, a reminder never hurts. For that, look no further than the winning images of The Nature Photography Contest 2024. Showcasing photographers worldwide, the selected imagery is beautiful from an aesthetic perspective. Just as important, however, is the greater messaging around it. The photographs are a voice for nature.

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Art History
July 15, 2024

2,000+ Years of Dogs in Art, From Ancient Mosaics to Instagram Selfies

Our four-legged friends are often the muses for art of all kinds. Of these creatures, dogs are one of the most popular subjects for painting, sculpture, and photography. Throughout art history, they’ve made appearances with members of the aristocracy, self-portraits with famous creatives, and been immortalized as balloons—and that’s just a small fraction of the dog art that exists between the past and today.

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Art Supplies
June 16, 2024

13 of the Best Sketchbooks That Artists of All Abilities Love to Draw In

A sketchbook is the ultimate artist's companion. Like a close friend, you'll spend a lot of time with it and tell it your inner thoughts (through drawing, painting, and writing). Many artists will regularly fill their pads with a bevy of drawings. Some are so polished that their books feel like mobile art galleries. But, gorgeous spreads aren’t the point of keeping a sketchbook.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.