Barbara Newton Towner
Born in Rochester, New York, Barbara Newton started taking art classes at The Memorial Art Gallery at an early age. She graduated from Skidmore College as a Fine Arts major in 1955. At the School for American Craftsmen at R.I.T. she studied metal under Jack Prip, Larry Copeland and Hans Christensen.
From 1954 to 1956 Barbara became the first paid manager at Shop One. It was a great opportunity to use her artistic talents and to have the chance to educate customers about the craft revolution that was happening. She married Larry Towner and left Shop One to raise her family and continue her jewelry making. Barbara now lives in Tavenier, Florida.