Parker artist Barbara Cohen taught horseback riding for 26 years. That was after her early career teaching 6th Grade Social Studies. Then she served as manager of a full-service riding center with over 40 horses, and was the trainer for the Hamilton County (Ohio) Park District mounted police unit, training both horses and their mounted officers.

Somehow, during these rewarding and unusual careers Barbara found time to pursue a love of art, painting still-life, flowers, and landscapes. After moving to Parker two and a half years ago, Barbara joined the Parker Artists Guild where she immediately stepped up to volunteer as workshop coordinator. Her artistic vision has led her to a new acrylic place of wild colors and a technique she calls "animal expressionism."

Barbara's vivid, unusual, and whimsical paintings will be on display at the 7th Annual Art in the Park Fine Art Show being held at O'Brien Park, corner of Mainstreet and Parker Road, on Saturday and Sunday August 23 and 24. Nearly 100 artists will be displaying their original work for sale from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Admission is free and there will be music, food and a Kids Art Station for all to enjoy.

For more information about the Parker Artists Guild go to www.parkerartistsguild.com.