Barbara E. Kirchner

Barbara E. Kirchner, 93, of Jarrettsville, MD, passed away at home on April 1, 2022.   A professional artist, art teacher, writer, and pianist, she was the daughter of J. Nevin and Ethel P. Coppersmith of Westminster, MD and sister of Pauline Hubbard; loving Mother of Jeffrey C. Kirchner (wife Jacqueline), Myra C. Watson (husband David), David G. Kirchner (wife Sherry), and Michael B. Kirchner (wife Joan).  She was Grandmother of 16, Great Grandmother of 15, and Aunt to J. Nevin Marsh (wife Anne), and Greta A. Owens (husband Steve). 

Barbara was born in a rural farmhouse without electricity on December 13, 1928.  She graduated in the Westminster High School Class of 1947 and later Harford Community College with an Associate in Arts degree in 1977.

Barbara was a very active lifelong member in the art community.  She was a member of the National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW), Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society, Charcoal Club of Baltimore, Maryland Pastel Society (MPS), Baltimore Watercolor Society (BWS), Art Guild of Maryland, 26th Street Art Mart, Rehoboth Art League, Art League of Ocean City Maryland, and the York Art Association.

Barbara held leadership positions in many art organizations.  She was National Treasurer of NLAPW in Washington, D.C. and held local treasurer positions with BWS and the Art Guild.  She was past president of the Carroll Branch of the NLAPW and on the Board of Directors of the York Art Association.

An award-winning artist, she has exhibited at The Springfield Massachusetts Museum of Fine Arts, The Peale Museum, The Baltimore Museum of Art, the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Baltimore Watercolor Society, the York Art Association, NLAPW National and State Shows, as well as in galleries throughout Maryland.  Her design of a new Harford County seal was chosen for use by the local government for the bicentennial in 1973.  Barbara was a published writer, poet, and illustrator.  Her works in all media of the Fine Arts are found in collections throughout the US, and in England, Wales, Germany, Australia, and Japan.

Mrs. Kirchner taught privately at her “Rainbow Studio,” as well as the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, the Community College of Baltimore County, and at the BYKOTA Senior Center in Towson.  She conducted numerous art demonstrations privately and publicly including the Maryland State Fair and local television.

Visitations will be held at Evans Funeral Chapel, 3 Newport Drive in Forest Hill, MD on Wednesday April 6, 2022 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm with a funeral service at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Barbara Kirchner through the Harford Artist’s Association, where funds will be used for scholarships to continue promotion of the arts at Harford Community College ( www.artinharford.org ).  Please apply funds through the “donate” button noting “Barbara Kirchner” within the special instructions.

A Celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at her Studio and Farm, 1930 Green Hill Road, Jarrettsville, MD 21084 on Sunday, May 22, 2022, early to mid afternoon till?.

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