The Bedford County Arts Council hosted mixed media textile artist Julie Barrett Cataldo at their monthly potluck at the Fly Arts Center Monday.  

 Barrett Cataldo is the current Bell Buckle Arts Council president. She said, along with the other Arts Council members, she looks to keep the arts scene in Bell Buckle “vibrant and active” with such initiatives as Art Saturday pop-ups and an Art Alley. This features a curated collection of artist’s booths during the Webb School Arts and Crafts Fair, among other community projects.  

Personally, Barrett Cataldo said she makes art that tells stories, some true and some embellished. These stories are told by combining modern and vintage portraits printed onto an eco-canvas fabric, with paint, reclaimed textiles, and vintage notions.  

Each portrait has a uniquely designed, handmade garment that is hand sewn onto the canvas. These garments can be seen spilling out from the painting in three dimensions. She clothes each of her portrait subjects “like royalty.” 

Her art also has a purpose. Barrett Cataldo has a line of self-care products like dream pillows, sleep masks, and meditation masks. The pillows all feature an original painting printed onto an eco-canvas front with reclaimed textiles on the back. She said these products are designed to help people create their own stories for their homes.