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Z.A.A.P.
P.O. Box 171
Zanesville, OH 43702
E-mail: zaapmail@yahoo.com

Ellen Barks has been an active member of ZAAP since 2003.  She has been a life long resident of Zanesville, except for 2 years in Pennsylvania and 4 yrs in Illinois. 

Birth of the Tulip

White Breasted Nuthatch on Feeder

In Jr. High school at the Roosevelt, she became interested in art under the tutelage of a “Mr. McCormick”.  He told her she was talented but lacked creative imagination.  However he felt she would make an excellent “copyist”.  Crushed by his honest assessment, she went on with her life and used her talent only in decorating her home at holiday time with angels, Santa's, etc. for her three children. 

After retiring from Mt. Carmel East in Columbus in 1998, where she was a Med/Surg R.N. she bought a digital camera and a computer and found she could use her artistic inclination through the lens of the camera. She began “shooting” everything in site and printing what she liked. It was a great hobby and time filler.  She loves shooting “Nature” in all its forms.

In 2001 she married Bill Barks, and in him found her best fan, advisor and critic.  Through his encouragement she joined ZAAP in 2003 and began entering shows and donating to auctions such as the MCCF Groundhog Event, Animal Shelter Auction, and the Beaux Arts Auction.

Ellen also likes to share her “art” with family and friends by using pictures from her collection on greeting cards for their special occasions and holidays.

So far the only recognition  she has received is an honorable mention for her submission “Old Roses in Old Pottery” to the 2004 “The Theme is Pottery Exhibit” at the National Ceramic Museum and Heritage Center. However, she states she continues to feel fulfilled artistically by taking part in all events of ZAAP.