The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2024 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Barry Wheeler
Evening Star ForgeAshland Ohio 44805 United States Home Phone: 419-554-8408
Bio
I graduated from Hiram College in 1966 with a BA in German Literature and Art History. My wife finds my German skills handy in completing crosswords. While at Hiram I completed a twelve week sabbatical studying the art of Europe. The art of toasting in multiple languages being among other skills learned. After a stint covering the geography of Vietnam for two years I returned to the US to begin as the fourth generation of Wheelers to become a metal worker, as owner and operator of the Evening Star Forge, in 1971 in Vermilion Ohio. Coincidentally my forge was located in the same building where my wife remembers buying bananas from old Mr. Rathbun in his dry goods store. I then began blacksmithing at Hale Farm in 1976 through the 1980’s. I began blacksmithing at a forge in my garage in Akron where I continued to make many pieces that I sold to buyers across the country and in England. I still work out of my garage, only now it is my studio here in Ashland, where I continue making art, teaching beginning smiths, and making replacement keys for difficult antique safe locks, among many other blacksmithing activities. Some of my awards and grants are: International Wally Award, Surrey England 1982 Multiple awards from SOFA Ohio Heritage Fellowship 2016 Blick Award for Innovation 2018 Columbus Cultural Arts Center National Metal Museum
Artist Statement
My approach to art and blacksmithing is always with a sense of whimsy and humor. I never know what I will create next but it’s always an adventure. My signature is “Let me entertain you!”
