Posts by Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
Store
March 28, 2025

Spring Into Art-Making With These Innovative Watercolor Palletes

One of the best ways to celebrate the seasons is through art. Spring has sprung, and what better way to commemorate this time of year than with watercolor paintings? After all, bears aren’t the only ones that hibernate for the winter. Many of us do, too. As we reemerge from the cozy couches and enjoy the sunnier days and budding blooms, it’s time to replenish your painting stash.

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Art
March 24, 2025

100-Artist Exhibition Showcases Art’s Enduring Role in Activism and Empowerment

Art is a powerful form of resistance. It allows creatives to use their talents and voices to speak out against political injustice and oppression, all while empowering others to enact change. This is the basis for UPRISE 2025: The Art of Resistance at The Untitled Space in New York City. In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the exhibition features work from 100 artists curated by gallery founder Indira Cesarine.

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Art
March 19, 2025

80+ Artists Explore the Connection Between Humans and Animals in a Show of ‘Wild Wonders’

Offering a unique perspective on the natural world, a colorful new exhibition titled Wild Wonders highlights the connection between humans and animals. The group show at ABV Gallery in Atlanta features more than 80 artists from across the globe who have interpreted the theme in various ways—some of this world and others more fantastical. But no matter the direction, each piece offers the artist’s unique take on our delicate relationship with creatures.

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Health
March 17, 2025

Doctor Reveals the “Worst Sleeping Position” for a Peaceful Slumber

What’s your sleep style? Do you lay on your back like a corpse, or curl up on your side in the fetal position? It’s good to know, especially since sleep is key to our daily and long-term health. A poor night of sleep can make you cranky and lower your cognitive function the following day. In honor of World Sleep Day (which was on March 14), Dr. Tim Mercer, a National Health Service (UK)

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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.