Marie Barber, Artist
I grew up in Kristianstad Sweden. As a teenager, I studied fine art under the late Dr. Goran Tronnberg. In 1989, I received an associate degree in visual art from The Art Institute of Atlanta. While in attendance at The Art Institute, I completed an internship with Don Trousdell Design in Atlanta.
My designs and illustrations have appeared regularly in publications which include Just Cross Stitch, Paula Dean, Tea Time, Southern Lady and Victoria magazines. I have completed seven books published by Chapelle Ltd, Utah and Sterling New York, as well as numerous leaflets published by Hoffman Media, which included design conversions for Disney. Recently, I was commissioned by Count Albert van Oldenburg to recreate sections of the Sistine Chapel on the ceiling of his home in Eastaboga, Alabama. The painting encompassed 64 feet and took one month to complete.
In 2009, I became ambassador for Rescue Life, a division of Life Outreach International. I continue to support efforts to end human trafficking throughout the world through my fund raising activities which I make available to ministries here in the United States.
My absolute love of needlepoint and desire to develop a truly unique collection led me to form my own company, Colors of Praise. I'm blessed to live on the Coosa River near Ragland, Alabama with my husband, Kinsman and our four children, Malin, Peyton, Daniel and Magdalena.