Artist Barbara Balkin, owner of Back Gate Studio, teaches art workshops for all ages. Her
classes are a haven for locals and visitors to try out a wide variety of art mediums. In addition to
creating and instructing out of her studio, Barbara travels to various schools and businesses in
the Boise area teaching After-school Art Classes, Children’s Art Camps, Adult Paint Nights,
Branch Weaving, Wine & Weave, Ceramics, Private Art Parties, and more!
“My goal is to provide a supportive atmosphere for exploring and broadening your creative
experience. You’ll develop the self-esteem that comes with accomplishment, learn to see things
with an artist's eye, and have something wonderful to take home.
“Creating Branch Weavings and Fiber Wall Hangings have been my passion for the last few
years. I create my own looms on locally sourced branches, though I’ve been known to weave on
some pretty odd objects, such as tennis rackets and bicycle wheels! My work is heavily inspired
by Idaho’s amazing natural environment. I mesh these surroundings with memories of family
camp-outs and Hawaii vacations. Savoring the slow meditation of the weaving process,
blending interesting combinations of color and texture, I seek to create visual distance and
depth in my work.
“May my scenic visions, rendered in fiber, bring a bit of wild wonder to your space!”