There’s an old saying…. ‘It’s better to give than to receive…” and Gloria and Herb Barker live that philosophy every day.
As owners of Barker Animation Art Gallery in The Village at Gulfstream Park and the Barker Character and Comic Museum in Cheshire, Ct., they have donated over $1.4 million in countless pieces of artwork over the years, as well as unbridled enthusiasm for art appreciation. The Barkers have one of the largest personal collections of animation artwork and collectibles on the planet, and are best known for their philanthropic contributions. Among their many recipients of major donations are Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Miami Children’s Hospital and they are currently working with Mount Sinai Medical Center on a large donation of artwork. They recently donated over $30,000 of artwork to the Hollywood Boys and Girls Club and over the years, have donated over $100,000 of artwork to JAFCO, Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options.
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, they asked the Aventura Marketing Council (AMC) to assemble South Florida police stations and fire rescue departments so they could donate to each of them a magnificent mixed media serigraph of the centennial of the Statue of Liberty, signed in gold by artist Melanie Taylor Kent. “The Statue of Liberty is our symbol of freedom, hope and opportunity…needed so much now today,” said Herb Barker.
This year, the Barkers partnered with the Aventura Marketing Council once again to donate two framed pieces of animation artwork to every charity, non-profit and school that was an AMC member. The event, hosted by Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, brought out over 40 organizations who were thrilled to receive their gifts…with no strings attached. Some organizations chose to place the artwork on auction, some wanted to present it to a major sponsor, and some wanted to brighten a child’s hospital room with it.
“I was just thrilled to see the happy and delighted faces of the wonderful friends who came to the Art from the Heart event,” said Gloria Barker. “These people dedicate their lives to helping others, and I want to continue living so I can continue giving!”
Herb summed up their philosophy on life, saying “My hope in giving is that I make the world a little bit better of a place.
” Barker Animation Art Gallery is located in The Village of Gulfstream Park at 1270 Seabiscuit Trail, Hallandale Beach 33009.
For more information, contact 954-457-2280 or visit their website at www.barkeranimation.com.
