Steve Barber
The timing could not have been more auspicious, occurring on the eve of Black History Month last February. Dr. Dale Dangleben, owner of Nyeusi Gallery, the area’s only dedicated Black art gallery, announced that Steve Barber would be its new art director.
Barber, an abstract expressionist painter, was tailor-made for the position, as it takes an artist to show and sell art no matter what it depicts. Barber, fully immersed in the process, deep dives into the details, relating what the artist is conveying on the canvas. He is a master storyteller, be it his own or that of the gallery’s compendium of artists and their works.
It starts with his mile-wide smile and the twinkle in his eyes, signaling that the best is yet to come. Getting to know the artist firsthand becomes second nature as Steve makes it a point to feature Nyeusi’s gallery of creatives with guest artist appearances, especially for 3rd in the Burg. Those monthly events on the third Friday also find jazz trio of renown, RC Rhythm Dual Band, at the gallery entertaining guests, romancing art through music.
“From the time I was a small child, I knew I was destined for a life where art would be the connective tissue,” he shared. “My sister and I loved to draw and paint at an early age.”
Steve attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia and received an associate’s degree in visual communication. Unable to find work in his field, he was encouraged to continue his painting by one of the instructors, Miss Sophia, who recognized a “gift in his art and to never give up.” Steve, a native of Harrisburg, makes it his mission to educate visitors to Nyeusi about the history of Black art and its migratory march across continents as it became a vital link in the African diaspora. He became a member of the Art Association of Harrisburg in 1988 and is still actively involved 35 years later.
Steve stated that the greatest influence on his work was his instructor, the late expressionist painter Li Hidley of Harrisburg. In addition, he has studied under Linda Benton McCloskey of the Millworks studios and Thom Kulp, a local painter. His personality shines through his paintings as his exuberant persona bursts forth on the canvas, often told through explosions of color. One cannot help but smile with mood lifted, floating into the clouds, when viewing his art. The experience is like grabbing onto the string of a big red balloon going higher and higher. Steve achieves a Zen-like state, euphoric at times, by starting each day “in meditation of the day that lies ahead.”
“I explore my art as a building block for life,” he said. “My creativity comes from my heart and my actions.”
In his role, Steve features an artist of the month on the front gallery wall and also offers open mic poetry nights and, of course, jazz. In addition to being the art director at Nyeusi, he is the chief operating officer of Ethel Lee Vintage and Art (ELVA). Locally, his artwork has been featured on ad campaigns, as the face of numerous area businesses. His proudest accomplishment was being featured in the “International Contemporary Artist” (volume X) catalog.
“My goal and inspiration is to paint with design sense, imagination, a spiritual mindset and letting my skillset dictate what the actual creation is,” Steve said.
When asked about the responsibility of being the gallery director, he was candid.
“To be given this golden opportunity at Nyeusi and, for Nyeusi, the key to success is inspiring the next generation of youngsters who may have interest in expressing themselves through art, but not quite sure where to start, is where I come in,” he said. “As a role model for young Black artists, it is a challenge I look forward to every day. If I am able to guide a young person, no matter their race, and impact their lives in a positive way, then I am truly fulfilling my mission.”
In the grand scheme of life, having an art gallery dedicated to African, Caribbean and African American works of art should be a source of pride for all Harrisburg residents. Nyeusi is adding a new chapter to Black history in our city, making Harrisburg’s legacy richer and fuller by the day, page by page, or in Steve Barber’s words, “canvas by canvas.”
The Danglebens and Steve Barber take a great sense of accomplishment in bringing their vision to fruition, having celebrated the gallery’s second anniversary this past September. They look forward to the challenges and rewards that the New Year will bring. And for first-time visitors, art impressions will expand exponentially. They extend a warm invitation to drop in during gallery hours and for 3rd in the Burg evenings, to be inspired by the beauty of beyond.
Nyeusi Gallery is located at 1224 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.nyeusi.art.
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