Newport News, Virginia
NEWPORT NEWS - Barclay Sheaks, 81, nationally known painter and founder of the art department of Virginia Wesleyan College, passed peacefully Tuesday, April 13, 2010.Born in West Bend, Ind., on Oct. 22, 1928, he grew up in Newmarket, Va., in a family that was nurturing and supportive of his...
Read More
Barclay inspired me and fired up the passion that I have for creating art. He was my most favorite professor at Virginia Weslyan College and I treasured every moment and every class I had with him. I will always miss him and hearing his happy whistling. Thank you, Barclay for everything you taught me in art class!
Dee Heslop Van Houten
April 09, 2019 | VA | Student
What a great person and teacher, I looked forward to his class everyday. Mr. Sheaks was always very encouraging even though my talent level was suspect. He remembered me several years after graduation when I saw him in Va. Beach and we had a very nice conversation. He was one of a kind and I am the proud owner of several of his works. Thank you for a life well lived. WHS 1966
Ed Carpenter
March 15, 2018 | Richmond, VA | Student
I was in Mr. Sheaks art class for several years. It was a joy to come to class everyday knowing that I would learn something new each time. I treasure the classes I had with Mr. Sheaks. He will be greatly missed.
Carolyb Bane
April 16, 2011 | Newport News, VA
Never go a day without a fond remembrance
Renee Somers
April 08, 2011 | Nashville, TN
I too was one of Barkley Sheaks students, at Virginia Weslyan College. Barkley was one of my heros, and he "once told me to paint from my heart " and I always do. Barkley was easy to make laugh, wonderful to hug and I will always treasure my time with him.(TC)
Toyonnia V, Portlock
April 06, 2011 | Richmond, VA
In 2002, my wife Linda and I met Barclay and Debbie on an Ireland tour. In my early retirement years, I was a neophyte artist, but through his contagious enthusiasm, Barclay inspired me to launch into painting as a full-time hobby.
I vividly remember Barclay and I trekking through Irish countryside to take pictures of a dilapidated but colorful boat that had been abandoned near the shore line. I don’t know whether Barclay has ever incorporated that boat in a painting, but nobody...
Gordon Caldwell
January 14, 2011 | Tucson, AZ
im the biggest fan of him ;-(
maheen aziz
December 13, 2010 | Pakistan, IN
I too was a student of Barclay's at Warwick High in the '60's. A more gentle man you could not meet. I will always remember the bright scarfs he would wear. A real gentleman. God bless him and you Deborah
Jim Waggener
June 14, 2010 | Mathews County, VA
Barclay was my art professor at Virginia Wesleyan College for 4 years. He was my inspiration to follow my passion in art. I'll never forget his cheerful laughter, whistling before class started or his bright, colorful ties that he always wore. He always had something good to say about a students artwork during our critiques. He was a wonderful human being and a very talented artist. I will miss him...
Dee Heslop Van Houten
May 19, 2010 | Marshall, VA