Obituary of Barbara Kohn

Barbara Kohn February 20, 1945 – June 26, 2009 Throughout her life, Barbara worked as an Artist, Writer, Communication/Advertising and Marketing professional in many media outlets and non-profit organizations. She passionately pursued her Art and began creating Raku, an ancient form of Japanese pottery. Immediately out of college, she began study in Pennsylvania. She moved to Rochester and continued her studies with Bob Schmitz and Rick Hirsch at the School for American Crafts at R.I.T. She also studied with Tom Markusen at SUNY Brockport. She continued to create, exhibit and teach Raku as well as painting, jewelry design, creative writing and weaving. Her one-of-a-kind pieces garnered her national and regional awards in over 25 juried shows. Her work can be found in corporate, public and private collections in England, Spain, Ukraine, Korea, Japan, Canada and in more than 15 states in the US. Barbara was an original member and teacher at All Of Us Art Workshop, (Memorial Art Gallery). She taught in many local school districts, Aurora Pottery, the Jewish Community Center, and the Creative Workshop of the Memorial Art Gallery and for the past 2 decades in her own studio. She was founder of the RAKU Group and was co-founder of the Potters Association of Western NY. Her love and dedication to the arts carried over to Creativity Unlimited, a Creative Arts Grant Foundation. Even now in her passing, she is donating the majority of her abundant supply of Art & Studio materials and books to schools and Universities all over Rochester for use by future artists. One of Barbara’s greatest accomplishments was celebrating 31 years of sobriety just before she died. Barbara unsparingly passed on her knowledge to anyone who wanted to learn. Despite many years of illness, she enthusiastically continued to create in multiple mediums. It was her love of what she did, along with her hugs, brilliant smile and dedication to her friends in all the areas of her life that we will all remember and miss. Friends invite you to celebrate Barbara's life on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 1:30-4:30 PM at the Baha'i Center (693 East Ave. & Oxford St.). Funeral service were held on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 1 PM at Temple Israel Memorial Park, Sunrise Dr., Neshannock Twp. Donations may be made to any organization supporting the local art community. Home Rochester, New York Birthplace Chicago, Illinois