A Stroke of Color

Whether you are working in one of her art classes or just chatting with her on the path, art instructor Rebecca Barsi will always put a smile on your face. Her cheery attitude and energetic personality create a friendly and open environment in both the art studios and the rest of the campus at Exeter.Barsi first came to Exeter as an intern in 2010 after graduating from SUNY New Paltz. Since then, she has taught many different art courses, advised a large variety of clubs and served as a close advisor to multiple students.When teaching, Barsi provides an open approach to art. Barsi tries to counteract the constant stress of Exeter with positive energy that will help students enjoy creating art.“I want students to feel comfortable in this space, to feel that they can express themselves and get away from some of the stress that Exeter can evoke,” Barsi said. “I want my students to use art as a way to funnel their energy in a positive way. I think that has been another really big success, creating a safe space for students.”Lower Nick Madamidola felt that his drawing art class this term has helped repress some of the stress of Exeter.“The atmosphere of her class is a big destresser,” he said. “Art can be kind of stressful and time consuming, especially if you are not particularly good at it. So the friendly atmosphere she creates in each class always help me handle the load of work art can require more easily and helps me enjoy my art more.”Another one of Barsi’s main goals as a teacher is to make sure all her students are confident in their work and proud of the pieces they produce through the term. She is constantly giving out advice to everyone she interacts with and tries to inspire Exonians to never be afraid.“It is fun to go to drawing class because you are not scared to ask Ms. Barsi over and over again whether she thinks this is the right color, or these lines are drawn well, because she is always happy and willing to help you,” lower David Larar said. “She also never gets mad, even when you keep messing up.”Outside of the classroom, Barsi keeps herself busy with a variety of clubs, most which also pertain to art, with the exception of a few that are outdoor themed. She is an advisor for CreAid, the PEA Painting Society, the graphic design club, the LookBook and the Exeter Sporting Club.Upper Hannah Fuller, one of the co-heads of the PEA Painting Society, explained the ways Barsi is involved with the club and how Barsi’s presence has helped it flourish.“She gives us supplies and makes sure that everything is going smoothly and than she normally dips out,” Fuller said. “Although sometimes she is not as involved, I think that is her trying to let people have their own independence when it comes to art. She also makes sure that we are connected with the studio and that what we are doing is allowed and we have the materials to do what we want.”Barsi commented on her involvement in another club, CreAid. The goal of CreAid is to help the Exeter community through the arts. Recently, the club finished painting a mural that will be placed underneath the library in town. Barsi views her involvement in this club as a great way to become more involved with not just the school, but the town of Exeter.“So often we get stuck in the Exeter bubble and forg​et about the larger Exeter community,” she said. “It’s nice that this club is able to create an artwork that is going to fill a space in the Exeter community, that so many can enjoy.”Upper Alex Weitzman, one of the co-heads of CreAid, said that Barsi has played a very important role in the club this year and has really helped all the club members become more into art.“Ellen Gao, my fellow co-head, and I haven't painted much before, and Mrs. Barsi came to our meetings and taught us all sorts of tricks with the paint, like how to mix colors and how to create texture,” Weitzman said. “She even went out to get new paint for us whenever we ran out. She's been a great influence to the club by getting us excited about art!”Although Barsi’s various clubs and classes already kept her extremely involved on campus, Barsi was still eager for more interaction with students on campus. Last year she became an advisor in Bancroft, allowing her to share her affection with more students and create a strong bond with them. From taco nights to daily tea, Barsi is always staying active with these students and enjoys hanging out with them.“Being an advisor is almost like a surrogate parent for these kids. They are all away from home, and they need that kind of parental support. So making a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for my kids is very important,” Barsi said.Prep Wei Xiao Zhang, one of Barsi’s advisees, has developed unforgettable memories with Barsi over the course of the year.“She is a wonderful and caring person,” Zhang said. “I love her food, tea nights and having her dog Charlie wander in our dorm. But most of all, I love her cheerful voice that tells me to stop worrying and that I’ll be fine.”Although she is involved in almost every aspect of the Exeter community, it is not only Barsi’s major involvement with Exeter that makes her so special. Rather, it is the way she manages this level of involvement and the great memories she has brought to the campus over the last three years, especially in terms of art.“I think Mrs. Barsi's love for art is apparent in everything she does,” Weitzman said. “When we had our final meeting for the mural, she greeted every student who came in to the studio with a smile and offered direction to those people who had trouble with a paintbrush. She would then compliment their work. It's clear that she enjoys working with students to help them discover their artistic talents.”Fuller also felt that Barsi has a strong and positive influence on campus. “She is the greatest. She always asks you how your day is and is definitely one of those teachers who seems like she genuinely cares about what is going on in your life,” she said. “Even though I have never had her as a teacher, she is one of my favorite faculty on campus. Whether it’s in D-Hall or in the art studio she is always bright and cheery and willing to answer any question or help you out.”