Featured Artist
Barry Crisman
A resident of Arizona since 1987, Barry's fascination with southwest petroglyph symbols inspired him to begin painting his interpretation of these ancient designs:
“Rock art fascinates me. Scientists and archeologists provide interpretations of how they define life before the dawn of modern conveniences. For me, I imagine a fellow artist at work in the desert with only stone and naturally derived pigments… chipping away the day and leaving their personal story as they see it.”
Barry began painting horse designs on the “ornamental” gourds growing wild in his parents’ Prescott ranch in 1990 and started selling them in Sedona, Arizona in 1991. Soon thereafter, themes included petroglyph-inspired figures, as well as North American western and southwest animals and plants. All of Barry's gourd art is painted on dried, cured gourds grown in Arizona.
In 2015 Barry started painting on flat panels to answer a request for wall art. Barry paints on masonite board and American birchwood panels. In 2020, he added American southwest landscapes to his portfolio.
Most pieces are adorned with semi-precious gemstones, shell and found natural objects — including but not limited to — abalone and spiny oyster shell, Asian turquoise, lapis lazuli, coral, mother of pearl, Peruvian opal, sandstone, white buffalo and wood.
The subject matter is inspired by the beauty of the North American desert landscape and the heritage of its rich, indigenous culture.
Barry's artwork is sold in galleries and fine gift shops in Arizona, New Mexico, and California.
Barry & Regina Crisman
Crisman Arts
602-743-0510
Classes, Workshops, First Fridays
Current Workshops offered
Art classes offered to the public
join us on the First Friday each month to mee the artists in person, enjoy some snacks and music while you shop.