The Red Barn Studio is filled with Lester Raymer’s art and handiwork., from paintings and prints to ceramics and metalwork, from woodcarving to stitchery, furniture and jewelry. His work is influenced by his love for the world’s great painters, especially the Spanish masters, the Southwest and Mexico, religious symbolism, and folk art.
Raymer considered painting and printmaking the most important work, which he studied at the Chicago Art Institute, be he worked in almost every medium. Each year he created a special Christmas gift for his wife Ramona. These gifts included painted boxes, candlesticks, and other decorative items. In 1960, Lester began the tradition of making toys every Christmas for Ramona. He made 53 toys over a period of 30 years. Examples of these gifts and toys are on display at the Red Barn Studio.
Much of Lester Raymer’s art and craftwork, including the Red Barn Studio, was made from recycled materials. Raymer took ordinary things, generally discarded and mundane objects, and transformed them into beautiful works of art and crafts, gifts, toys and decorative elements for the studio.
The Red Barn Studio was restored and opened as a museum to the public in September of 1997. Hours are 10 AM-5 PM Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 PM Saturday and Sunday and also by appointment. Admission is free, but donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.
More info: redbarnstudio.org
Red Barn Studio Museum
Lester Raymer Oil Paintings
