Kansas City Artist Debbie Barrett-Jones Weaves Local Legacy
Debbie Barrett-Jones, an accomplished MHS graduate, has made a significant mark on the Kansas City art scene with her captivating textile art and prints. Her works enrich various public and private spaces across the city, bringing vibrant texture and color to our community. This blog post explores her journey from Marshalltown to becoming a celebrated Kansas City artist, highlighting her contributions and upcoming engagements.
A Prominent Voice in Kansas City’s Art Scene
Debbie Barrett-Jones’s creations are widely recognized throughout Kansas City. Her unique art textiles and prints are proudly displayed in numerous local institutions, including Children’s Mercy Hospital, Truman Medical Center, and the Kansas City International Airport terminal. Visitors can also find her work at Community Christian Church, Lead Bank in the Crossroads district, and The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Beyond her artistic contributions, Debbie serves as the shop manager and gallery attendant at the esteemed Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, a cornerstone of the Crossroads Art District.
From Marshalltown Roots to Artistic Discovery
Born in Spencer, Iowa, Debbie moved to Marshalltown as a toddler, where her early life was shaped by paper routes and an innate desire to create. While she initially saw her sister, Kristine, as the family artist, teachers at Marshalltown High School (MHS) nurtured Debbie’s developing passion. After graduating from MHS in 1998 and attending MCC, a pivotal moment occurred during a year-long job at Strand’s, a paint and decorating store. Surrounded by color charts and paint swatches, she rediscovered her love for making, creating paper mosaics and collages.
Finding Her True Calling at the Kansas City Art Institute
Debbie’s artistic path solidified when she moved to Kansas City in 2003, influenced by her sister who was then completing her BFA at the Kansas City Art Institute. Living above the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, she found herself immersed in a thriving artistic environment. It was in the textile department, amidst looms and colored yarn during her junior year, that she found her true medium. “The process of weaving just made sense to me, and I just ran with it, and I loved it,” she recalls.
Transforming Spaces with Textile Art
Her talent for weaving quickly led to significant commissions. After just one semester, she was tasked with creating liturgical banners for Community Christian Church, a renowned Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house of worship. This experience confirmed her artistic direction. Debbie also gained recognition for her scarf-making, which served as a crucial tool for exploring color and pattern before translating these concepts into larger, more complex pieces.
Healing with Weaving: Art as Therapy
A profound aspect of Debbie’s work is her “Healing with Weaving” initiative. In 2014, after completing a piece for the Lisa Barth Interfaith Chapel at Children’s Mercy Hospital, she secured a grant to create 200 frame loom kits. These kits were donated to Children’s Mercy, providing a therapeutic outlet for staff, patients, and their families. Debbie continues to donate these kits to various organizations, driven by her belief in the healing power of creation. “Being creative, working with my hands, was always a way for me to escape and to work through some stuff. It’s such a healing process when you’re making,” she states. Debbie furthered her education, earning a full-ride MFA from the University of Kansas in 2023, and now teaches weaving workshops at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center.
Upcoming Exhibitions in Kansas City and Beyond
Kansas City residents and art enthusiasts have several opportunities to experience Debbie Barrett-Jones’s work firsthand in the coming years:
- June 2026 — Woven Together: Community Landscape Collaborative Art Project, Greenlease Gallery, Rockhurst University, Kansas City (in conjunction with the World Cup)
- 2027 — Solo Exhibition, Greenlease Gallery, Rockhurst University, Kansas City
- 2027 — Solo Exhibition, Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, Kansas City
- 2028 — Solo Exhibition, 108 Contemporary Gallery, Tulsa, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I see Debbie Barrett-Jones’s art in Kansas City?
Her art is displayed at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Truman Medical Center, Community Christian Church, Lead Bank, The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Kansas City International Airport terminal. She also works at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center. - What kind of art does Debbie Barrett-Jones create?
She specializes in art textiles and prints, often hand-woven and featuring hand-dyed yarns. - What is the “Healing with Weaving” project?
It’s an initiative started by Debbie Barrett-Jones that donates frame loom kits to organizations like Children’s Mercy Hospital to provide a creative, therapeutic outlet for patients, families, and staff. - Does she have upcoming exhibitions in Kansas City?
Yes, she has solo exhibitions planned for Greenlease Gallery and Leedy-Voulkos Art Center in 2027, and a collaborative project at Rockhurst University in 2026.
Debbie Barrett-Jones’s journey from a young artist in Marshalltown to a celebrated textile artist in Kansas City is a testament to passion and perseverance. We encourage you to explore her work at her website, www.debbiebarrettjones.com, or visit one of her many accessible art installations and upcoming exhibitions to experience the depth and beauty of her textile creations.
KC Artist Debbie Barrett-Jones Weaves Legacy
