Zebra Gallery Opens Boardwalk Fare by Joseph Barbaccia

The Zebra Gallery will host an opening reception for “Boardwalk Fare: Polymer Clay Paintings” by Joseph Barbaccia from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 3, with music by DJ Hector.

Barbaccia, an artist based in Georgetown, DE, works in two- and three-dimensional media. Color and form have inspired Barbaccia since his earliest memories.

Over his five-decade career, he has exhibited in more than 35 group shows and 10 solo exhibitions at venues including the Greater Reston Art Center, Delaware Contemporary, Rehoboth Art League, and Washington’s Corcoran Gallery.

“What’s remarkable about Joseph’s art is how he elevates everyday objects into something sculptural, colorful, and full of life,” said gallery owner Susan Schauer John.

In 2018, Barbaccia moved to Georgetown, where his workspace was smaller than the large studio of his previous decades. He soon realized he must work with different materials and methods to accommodate the change. Polymer clay, with its transparency and full color spectrum, allowed him to create in both two and three dimensions and sent his art in a new direction.

“Approximately 90% of the artists creating with polymer clay create jewelry,” Barbaccia said. “I thought the time was right to expand its visual range.”

His polymer clay works reimagine everyday objects with thousands of hand-placed clay strands, creating playful, vividly textured compositions that merge painting, sculpture, and illustration. His art has appeared in many publications. In addition, Barbaccia has illustrated three children’s books, with a fourth underway.

The opening reception is free and open to the public.

The Zebra Gallery address is 5 N. Harrison Street, Easton, MD (across the street from the Historic Tidewater Inn). For further information, visit https://www.thezebragallery.com. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, or by appointment.