Barbara Townsend

About the Artist

Barbara Townsend is a multidisciplinary artist and retired educator based in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Art Teacher Education from Bowling Green State University and Master’s degrees in both Curriculum and Instruction and Higher Education Administration from Cleveland State University.

A lifelong creative, Barbara’s artistic practice spans quilting, clothing design, candy making, and crafts. Her powerful quilts vividly depict scenes from everyday Black life, honoring tradition, resilience, and cultural memory. She is a proud member of the African American Quilt and Doll Guild of Cleveland and a devoted Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delta Dear.

Now retired from the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District, Barbara continues to uplift her community through art, mentorship, and storytelling.