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☆KATHY CAVALLERO ☆ A lifelong Connection to the Barn For Kathy Cavallero, The Barn Studio of Art has been part of her life for nearly five decades. What began as a place to study art in the 1970s has become a lifelong connection shaped by creativity, friendship, mentorship, and giving back. Kathy studied fine art at The Ohio State University and spent many years at The Barn studying drawing and landscape with Pat Witt. Although her career eventually led her into graphic design, her relationship with Pat and The Barn remained an important part of her life. “My time at The Barn was very special to me, and my friendship with Pat has lasted all these years,” Kathy recalls. “Pat not only provided instruction on painting; she became a mentor throughout my life. When I found myself questioning my next turn in life, I often found myself at The Barn. Pat never told me what to do but always helped me chart a course.” Kathy's professional career has included working as a layout artist at The Daily Journal, designing at GraphiColor in Vineland, and serving as an adjunct professor at Cumberland County College. Today, she owns Cavallero Design, a graphic design and advertising studio specializing in marketing for small businesses and nonprofits. She particularly enjoys package design and creating materials for organizations such as the Bay Atlantic Symphony. Her commitment to the arts and community has included service with the Vineland Community Art Alliance, Main Street Vineland, and the City of Vineland's Design Review Committee. Kathy returned to painting at The Barn toward the end of the pandemic. “I could not have found a better place to ride out ‘the storm,’” she says. When in-person classes resumed, she returned to the studio and hasn't looked back. Today, she studies still life and landscape in oil and participates in The Barn's Maurice River Workshop. Her connection to The Barn has also come full circle professionally. After Pat's daughter Nancy happened to encounter Kathy at Michael's and invited her back to The Barn, Kathy began using her professional talents to support the studio. Today, she designs most of The Barn's marketing materials and serves as an advisory board member. For Kathy, The Barn is ultimately about much more than art. “The Barn is a rich cultural community that has a way of forging deep friendships based on like interests and genuine affection,” she says. “The Barn Studio of Art has enriched my life beyond explanation. Everyone should have a ‘Barn’ in their life!” Kathy now lives in Mays Landing, New Jersey, where she continues to run Cavallero Design and remains connected to The Barn as an artist, supporter, advisor, and lifelong friend. Story by Alicia Mankin, Director of Alumni Program If you are an alumni and are interested in being on our alumni mailing list, contact The Barn
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