McMillan Gallery

Julia Barkley
"Stars in Your Bones"

Artist Julia Barkley’s series, “Stars In Your Bones,” contains provocative and compelling images in which she focuses on reclaiming the feminine in religious traditions.

Julia says of these works, “The heritage given women that God is only male (and therefore male is God) is damaging to the female self-image. The equality of women needs the visual symbol of a particular, personal divine woman in order that her thinking can then move out and beyond gender to the concept that the energy which created the universe is beyond sexual labels.”

A mother of five, Julia began painting at the age of 48. In painting, she says, “I have found my voice . . . I never before had felt the freedom I experienced when I held a paintbrush in my hand. I could say anything I wanted with that paintbrush.”

Julia has been exhibiting since 1975 in individual and group shows throughout Minnesota, as well as New York City, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Four of her paintings are part of a permanent collection at Japan’s Hiroshima Peace Memorial Garden. 

Nine of these works have been given to United through a gift from the Sexton Family Foundation. The artist donated a tenth work. The seminary is grateful to the Sexton Foundation and Julia Barkley for these generous gifts.

A partial representation of the collection, including "Guadalupe" (pictured), is on display in the McMillan Gallery. The additional pieces can be seen throughout the seminary.

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