Paintings by Barbara Ross, Sikeston, MO will be the featured artist at the Aartful Rose Gallery on First Friday.

An accomplished watercolorist, Barbara Ashley Ross began her lifelong love of art as a child.

"I used to be captivated by the wonderful scent and colors in a box of crayolas. At school, just a walk through the art room was enough to let me know art was a wonderful thing, never dreaming it would ever become such an integral part of my life! Watercolors, with such fantastic transparency and rich, vibrant colors, have given me something I never thought possible in this lifetime." -Barbara Ashley Ross

Barbara's years of experience in this medium have given her a broad understanding of its mechanics, allowing her to express herself with gorgeous floral compositions and dynamic landscapes, seascapes and still lifes.

She studied at Southeast Missouri State University, earning degrees in both home economics and art, before beginning a fulfilling teaching career. After retirement, Barbara found the opportunity to pursue her heart's desire.

Immersing herself in the art realm, she studied oil painting and watercolor with Joe Fettingis in Indiana, Terry Madden in Florida, Arleta Pech in Colorado and Susan Blackwood in Montana.

A wife and mother of three, Barbara makes her home in Sikeston, Missouri.

Barbara's award-winning artwork has been shown nationally and is in several private collections. Her artwork can be viewed at www.barbaraashleyross.com.

Food for the artist's reception will be provided by Chef James Coley.

Rose Bed Inn's Full Cash Bar provided all evening plus "Small Plates" available by Chef James after 9 p.m. until ?

A portion of proceeds of all sales will benefit the Melaina Cunningham and Friends Boundless Playground in Cape Girardeau County Park.