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.
Photo Contest
February 26, 2026

Photo of a Rare White Humpback Whale and Mother Wins World Nature Photography Awards

The World Nature Photography Awards (WNPA) believes in the little things. Founded on the idea that small, positive actions can make a big difference, the organization sees photography as a powerful way to influence the actions we take and perspectives we have when it comes to the conservation of the planet. Its photo contest highlights the best in nature photography, and WNPA just announced its 2026 winners.

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Academy
February 24, 2026

5 Drawing Fundamentals That Will Help You Be a Stellar Sketcher

Drawing is the foundation of art. When you can learn to draw, it becomes a well of creative possibilities. But becoming a stellar sketcher takes practice. Even if you don’t view yourself as a great drawer, the truth is that, like most things in life, you just need to put in the time to improve. It begins by mastering the fundamentals.

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Painting
February 23, 2026

Artist Uses Pops of Color To Highlight Portraits of Black Kids and Teens [Interview]

Artist Guy Stanley Philoche creates work blending realistic portraiture with abstraction. The juxtaposition is visually striking, showcasing his rendering abilities alongside an emotional core. This is best exemplified in his series titled Higher Learning, which features Black children rendered in a monochromatic palette, standing against bright, solid-color backgrounds with some stenciled elements. “My work is figurative,” Philoche explains to My Modern Met.

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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.