Local Artist Barb Sayles invites Merrittonians to join the Nicola Valley Arts Council

MERRITT —Barb Sayles has been serving as the treasurer of the NVCAC for many years. She was born in Merritt and was raised in the Nicola Valley on her family ranch along with her four siblings.

After high school, Barb took one year of Commercial Art at Cariboo College (now TRU) but never worked in that field.

She eventually moved away and lived in Penticton, Kamloops, Vancouver, Calgary, and Alaska. Merritt was her home when her parents got older and it seemed like a good place to raise her two boys.

Most of her working background was in adminstration and office management. After a long day in the office, Barb enjoys heading home and do something creative so she got involved in spinning, weaving, natural dyes, pottery, lace making, needlework, doll making and has always had an interest in home decor.

Barb says “It’s hard to believe now but when I was a kid there was no television in Merritt until the early 60’s when Craigmont Mine opened. As a kid, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother. Grandma was a great believer in keeping little hands busy so I learned to knit, crochet, sew, quilt, and embroider at an early age. My mother was always sewing and painting with oils or water colour and my older sisters encouraged me to draw and paint.”

She made paper dolls and dressed them (cut outs).

“We all learned to cook. I’ve been very fortunate to have very good role models in my life – Mom, my grandmother, sisters, aunties and a very influential teacher, Miss Bauer who taught Home Ec.”

Nowadays, She make quilts that are hand piece and hand quilted, make slip covers and small upholstery projects, knits, and draws with water colour pencils.

She says she has enjoyed my involvement with the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council, combining my administration and bookkeeping skills with my artistic abilities.

Art has always played a role in her life.

Barb says “There’s a place for everyone in the Arts Council, why don’t you discover your inner artist and join us?”