Julia Barrett on Her Detail-Oriented Work and Her Local Inspirations
Julia Barrett is a Columbus artist who is part of the 2026 Emerging Festival Artist class at the Columbus Arts Festival, June 12-14. This program, supported by JP Morgan Chase, is designed for central Ohio artists who are new to the festival circuit; they receive special training on booth layout, marketing, selling techniques and more. Learn more about Julia, her inspirations and how she’s anticipating her first festival.
Nick: How did you get started in your art form? What do you remember about first being intrigued by it?
Julia: My first memory of creating art was painting with watercolors (a medium I am far from using today) with my mom at the dining room table. I remember trying to recreate Bob Ross-like trees. In high school, I got more serious with my artwork (shout out to my high school art teacher Mrs. Rothwell) and started applying for shows, winning awards and experimenting with oil paints – this medium turned into my first art love.
Nick: Who are some of your inspirations?
Julia: I am inspired by living artists, dead artists and the people/friends/family I surround myself with. Columbus artists (this list has been shortened… there’s so many amazing Columbus artists that inspire me every day!) : Luka Weinberger’s murals/tattoos/paintings; Sarah Schlup’s murals; Arris’ Cohen’s paintings; Craig Campbell’s artwork and dedication to educating young artists; Allison Moore’s photograph and rope work; Katie Lee’s pink paintings; Fred Fochtman’s paintings and dedication to all his art forms; Dexter Komakaru’s art and activism; Ebri Yahloe’s music; Adrian Waggoner’s paintings; Stephanie Rond’s murals; April Sunami’s paintings; AJ Vanderelli’s art, activism, and dedication to the art world; Jim Morton’s oil paintings.
Living artists outside of Columbus: Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Kehinde Wiley, Margaret Boland, Jenny Saville, Jeannie Maddox’s “Swimmer” series, Natalie Baxter “Warm Gun” series, and textile/quilter artists such as Bisa Butler, Brandi Kole and Danielle Clough’s figurative pieces.
Past tense artists: Artemisia Gentileschi’s tenacity/subject matter/style of painting, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s history with French nobility, the realism of Jacques-Louise David, the lifestyle of Leonor Finney, the way Vincent Van Gogh became famous with the help of friends and family (shout out Johanna Van Gogh-Bonger).
Nick: What’s something about your art that you think might appeal to someone who’s never seen it before?
Julia: According to a friend, I have interesting takes on the body, delightful use of materials and have a diverse range of people shown in my work. I also am extremely detail oriented when it comes to my art and love to add in lots of hidden gems for the eyes to find within each piece. If you are into realistic figurative oil paintings, fabric and embroidery work, and overall mixed media art then you will enjoy my art!
Nick: What are you most excited or nervous about showcasing at the Columbus Arts Festival?
Julia: I have wanted to be in the Columbus Arts Festival ever since I was a little girl, so having that wish come true is an amazing feeling and I am so excited just to be there amongst like-minded artists, the sweet staff and everyone coming out to support the arts!
Nick: What’s on your current playlist?
Julia: Oh, great question! Here’s my current playlist: “Everybody Scream” by Florence + The Machine, “Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party” by Hayley Williams, “Golden” by Harry Styles, “Click Clack Symphony” by RAYE.
Local artists: “I Come Alive in the Dark” by Damn the Witch Siren, “Luv You More” by Ebri Yahloe, “Get A Job” by Games We Play, “Marbles” by Snarls.
Nick: What do you do to relax or unwind?
Julia: Besides making art… I like going to yoga, rock climbing, volleyball, biking and am down for any other athletic activities. I also enjoy long walks to the fridge, dancing my butt off at Candy Rain, bonfires with the homies and watching sunsets from my studio.
Nick: What are some of your favorite things about Columbus?
Julia: The artist community is like no other—it’s full of warmth, love and celebration of all types of art! Shout out to 934 Gallery, the artists of Milo Arts and The Dallas.
Food shoutouts: Three Bites Bakery, Third Way Coffee House and NAICCO food truck.
See Julia and the other 18 Emerging Festival Artists – plus more than 200 artists, four performance stages, 40+ food trucks, hands-on activities and more – at the Columbus Arts Festival, June 12-14 on the downtown riverfront.
About the author
Nicholas Dekker is the marketing and communications manager at the Greater Columbus Arts Council.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database, artist-curated public art tours and stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.