Janet Barnes had a multitude of talents.

She was a nurse, painter, teacher, generous friend and supporter of community organizations. She was president of the Oxford Artists Guild for many years, taught classes through the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, donated her tuition fees to support the arts council, was featured at the Double Decker and was part of the annual Holiday Art Market.

Her kindness and support for the organizations she loved were revealed in her last wishes after her passing in February. She donated her art collection, representing both her work and the work of the artist she collected, to support the Oxford Artists Guild, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Barnes was a well-known painter whose work won awards in local, state and regional competitions. His watercolors of flowers and downtown scenes became popular note cards and stationery. His works are featured in the Art Guild store at Sugar Magnolia.

Although known for her watercolours, Mrs. Barnes covered a range of styles. Playfully create abstracts, explore oils, capture blooming flowers and intimate portraits. Additionally, Barnes collected works from students, Mississippi artists, and artists from other places she lived, supporting and encouraging fellow artists. The large art collection will be offered for sale online and at a reception at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center on Friday, April 15, 2022. The reception and sale will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“Donating to or remembering community organizations as part of one’s estate planning is a huge gift,” said Wayne Andrews of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. Many small organizations do not have the resources to discuss with their supporters the impact that a donation of this nature can have on the organization.

“In the short term, it helps mourners remember the person they lost in a way that’s important to that person,” Andrews added.

Gifts of works of art, shares or property as part of an estate allow the donor to increase the impact of their bequest. The charity would not have to pay gift tax when it receives assets. It also reduces the estate tax burden on the family. As the assets are transferred directly to the charity, the estate would qualify for a federal estate tax deduction.

The Canada Council hopes that this reception will provide members of the community with an opportunity to keep the memory of Janet Barnes alive. Proceeds from the sale of his artwork, note cards, prints and works by other artists will support the Oxford Artist Guild, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and First Presbyterian Church. The arts council has set up a donation option in memory of Janet Barnes for those wishing to make a donation in her memory. The donation will be distributed to organizations in his memory.

To learn more, explore the works at auction, or donate, visit www.oxfordarts.com

Wayne Andrews is the executive director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.