He pursued art classes in each town he lived in and also began exploring local museums and galleries and joining any meeting of creatives.<\/p>\n
In the 1980s, he helped found the Arlington Museum of Art. Barter served as president of the museum twice and was a consistent volunteer.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chris Hightower, current Arlington Museum of Art president, first met Barter in the early 2000s after purchasing a piece by the longtime artist during a museum gala.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI stayed friends with him over the years, went to visit him and hear his stories about his first exhibit and all that kind of stuff,\u201d Hightower said. \u201cHe\u2019s just a great friend and a good patron of the museum.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The museum has grown and moved locations. Hightower was initially worried the changes would upset former museum members, but Barter quickly threw his support behind the group, he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt meant a lot to me,\u201d Hightower said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alongside his work with the Arlington Museum of Art, Barter was a frequent contributor to the Fort Worth Art Collective, a group of artists who collaborate on exhibits.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Barter\u2019s passion and work ethic set the example for the group, said Bernardo Vallarino, the lead coordinator for the collective.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a great mentor on what it means to be an artist,\u201d Vallarino said.<\/p>\n
Barter worked on his art until he entered hospice a few weeks ago. Vallarino said it was a testament to his love of art.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat was interesting about him was that, even though he was the oldest member, he participated in almost every show,\u201d Vallarino said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Barter\u2019s last piece is on display in the collective\u2019s exhibition at the Arlington Museum of Art. Organizers knew Barter had health problems and wanted to ensure he was included, Hightower said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to continue to honor him,\u201d Hightower said. \u201cHe\u2019s been such an integral part of the museum for such a long time.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Barter\u2019s painting in the exhibit is named \u201cThe N Game\u201d \u2014 pronounced \u201cthe end game.\u201d Vallarino said the name was a natural extension of his humor.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A wreath will be placed in front of the piece to honor Barter, Vallarino said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCreating and the fact that he was part of something and always had something to look forward to kept him alive,\u201d Vallarino said. \u201cCreating also helped him with the circumstances of aging and facing them in a more positive way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chris Moss is a reporting fellow for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the Arlington Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n
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