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Brother A. Joseph Barrish, S.M. (1929-2025), passed away Jan. 20 in Dayton, Ohio, at the age of 95. Barrish earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Dayton and later served as a coordinator and art teacher at UD. He professed first vows in the Society of Mary in 1947 and perpetual vows in 1951. In addition to his career as an educator, he was an internationally recognized artist. The Marian Library holds several pieces of his art that have left a lasting impression on those who have known him and appreciated his talent. 

Although Brother Barrish worked in a variety of media and styles, I always felt a similar thread or essence in each of his pieces. I saw it as his service as a Marianist and his love for God and Mary that came through in his work. 

I am part of an online group of archivists that shares about our collections and asks questions of fellow archivists from around the world. Last fall I remember seeing an archivist post an image of a woodcut print of Jeremiah that they were trying to identify. Even before looking at the signature on the piece, I knew it had to have been made by Brother Barrish. My favorite piece by Brother Barrish is an image depicting Mary, Seat of Wisdom with the child Jesus on Mary’s lap. I especially love his color palette, including bright blues, greens and purples.

– Kayla Harris, associate professor and director of the Marian Library 

My first exposure to Brother Barrish’s art was his series of woodcut prints of flowers named for Mary. They were created to illustrate the book Mary’s Flowers: Gardens, Legends & Meditations, by Vincenzina Krymow. I found them to be simple yet expressive, sketchy yet defined, active and vibrant. The Marian Library has used these wonderful illustrations as part of a Mary Gardens exhibit, and we have even shared them online as a matching game. 

Working in the Marian Library, I have run across many of Barrish’s works. He created watercolors, silkscreens — even a Nativity scene. His talent was undeniable, as was his vision. To me, it seemed that he was inspired by the things he held dear. He clearly had a fondness for the University of Dayton and the campus. As a UD alum, his “UD Immaculate Conception Chapel” is a favorite of mine.

– Ann Zlotnik, communication and creative coordinator

I love Brother Barrish’s artwork because it gives me a feeling of home. My favorite of his collection used to be his flowers named for Mary, but then I discovered “UD Founders Hall” at the Gallery St. John on the Bergamo-Mount St. John campus. It is such a bright and cheerful piece with smiling faces of students peeking out the residence hall windows and a Flyers flag waving. Brother Barrish captured the residence hall atmosphere I've always heard about 一 a close-knit community where the residents all know one another. Looking at the print, I couldn't help but think, "That looks like a great place to live." 

– Shari Neilson, administrative assistant and office coordinator

I had the pleasure of meeting Brother Barrish in summer 2023. His face lit up when he talked about his artwork and heard from other artists from the Marianist family. It was clear to me that he loved art and loved the Marianists. In spring 2024, the Marian Library was invited to a sale of Marianist artwork at Gallery St. John before its closure. We were also invited to look through the books in Brother Barrish’s studio at Gallery St. John. Stepping into his studio felt like stepping into his mind. We found books about medieval and Renaissance art, printmaking processes, art from around the world, and religion, among many other topics. We could see evidence of his artistic process and some of the tools he used. On his bulletin boards we saw things that inspired him—Madonna and Child prints by other artists, reproductions clipped from magazines, a small statue of Our Lady of the Pillar, articles and sketches. Out the windows of his studio, we saw beautiful views of the Mount St. John campus, another source of inspiration in much of his work. It is such a gift to encounter Brother Barrish’s artwork through my work at the Marian Library, and I am very thankful for the gift of his many talents to the Marianists and to the University. 

His woodcut prints of flowers with Marian symbolism have a special place in my heart. These prints bring to life other areas of the collection related to Mary gardens through their bright colors and simple beauty. With 30 different Marian flowers, this print series also demonstrates an attention to detail and observation that inspires me to slow down and notice the details of the world around me as Brother Barrish did.

– Bridget Retzloff, assistant professor and visual resources librarian