Barbara McFadyen is an accomplished metalsmith and enamelist, as well as an inventive book artist, who has been producing unique, wearable forms for over four decades in precious metals, stones, and vitreous enamel. She has become nationally recognized through competitive juried exhibitions and has twice been a prize winner in the Enamelist Society’s International Biennial Exhibitions. Her work is included in the collections of The Enamel Arts Foundation and the Mint Museum.
Barbara received her MFA in Metal Design at East Carolina University, and her BA in Creative Arts from Eckerd College. Following her undergraduate studies Barbara spent a summer in Japan with Parson’s School of Design, a pivotal experience which stirred her awareness of diverse cultural traditions and sparked deep affinity to the art and aesthetic of Japan.
Along with her studio practice, Barbara has always enjoyed the challenge, inspiration and reward found in teaching and sharing her knowledge with others. She has led workshops at renowned craft schools such as John C. Campbell, Arrowmont, Peter’s Valley, Penland School of Craft, Kobe Design University in Kobe, and Yamawki Design Art School in Tokyo, Japan. Most recently, Barbara was the professor of record in Metal Design for the ECU Tuscany, a semester study abroad program with East Carolina University. Whether teaching or working in her private studio in Chapel Hill, Barbara is passionate about her metalsmithing, enameling, and exploring new ways to express these skills.
