FLO BARNETT Floriene (Flo) Barnett, local artist, died March 21, 2015 in Paradise at the age of 88. Born in Southgate, California on February 14, 1927, she married B.C. (Barney) Barnett in 1946 and in 1950 moved to Paradise, California where, encouraged by good friends, her artistic talents began to blossom. She was a founding member of the Paradise Art Center in 1966. Later, she established Shibui, her art school and gallery. Shibui, she wrote, "means 'more than meets the eye.' The more we open ourselves to unlimited possibilities, the more 'life filled' we are. The fuller we are, the better we can share our gifts." Flo shared her gifts in print making, weaving, sewing (her colorful large fabric fish were an expression of joy), pattern making, collage and, above all, painting, in pastels, oil, and watercolor. Her work has been exhibited at the Mondavi Winery, Paradise Art Center, Chico Art Center, Paradise Church of Religious Science, Upper Crust Bakery, as well as in many private homes. She was influenced by her art instructors, including Rex Brandt, Ken Morrow, Betty Polivka, Les Bonar, Richard Yip, and many others, but developed her own distinctive style of abstraction and natural design. She established Polar Bear Productions with her friend Becky Cravens and created videos, small books and patterns, one of which, a creative cover for plastic chairs, was featured in Threads Magazine. In addition to her work as an art teacher, Flo was an interior design consultant (with a great eye for color) and was at work on a book about freeing one's creativity in artistic expression. She was predeceased by her son, David, who died in 1986, her husband, Barney, who passed away in 1993, parents Carl and Dorothy Johnson and brother Jim Johnson. Flo is survived by son Dan (a philosophy instructor at Butte College and book review columnist for the Chico Enterprise-Record), his wife, Janis; Flo's brother Glen Johnson and his wife, Julie; and her sister-in-law Jackie, along with nieces and nephews (Martha Johnson Cook, Jim M. Johnson, Robert G. Johnson, David D. Johnson, and Susan P. Johnson), and ten great grand nieces and nephews. Arrangements are being handled by Rose Chapel in Paradise (877-4923).

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Published by Chico Enterprise-Record on Mar. 31, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Flo Barnett

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13 Entries

Art workshops

November 7, 2023

I am so saddened to hear of Flo´s passing. I attended a couple of her workshops many years ago, one of them being at Shibui. I purchased one of the demos she created right in front of me. It is a beautiful painting that has brought me much joy through the years.

I found Flo to be a lovely person, and a very gifted painter. Shibui was an incredibly well designed art school and and was a wonderful place to create and rub elbows with other artists.

I feel grateful that Flo was a part of my life.

Beryl Adams

Valerie Combs

April 29, 2020

My grandmother, Shirley Back and great Aunt, Jean Ferris were changer forever by their dear art teacher and friend, Flo! Gridley, CA

Glenith Gray

July 17, 2018

I have a pastel portrait that was done by Flo of my Great Grandfather Thomas Elmer Gray. It has hung in my home as long as can remember.

April 21, 2015

Love to you Dan and Janice. Some of my earliest life memories of your mom are calling her "Auntie Flo" , toddling around their house on the Skyway, and of Barnetts Market next door to dads gas station in the 60's. I was told Flo waited in the waiting room with my dad when I was born. I will always cherish the sound of her voice and the things she taught me. She was an amazing woman and such a good friend to my mom. My deepest condolences. Janet Parker Holiday

April 10, 2015

We didn't know Flo very long but appreciated the gentleness and kindness she showed towards our mother, Hilda. So sorry for your loss (and ours).
Hilda Jones, Stephen Jones and Nancy Murren.

Natalie Deakins

April 7, 2015

I met Flo as a young child while taking art classes with my mother. She taught me that there are no mistakes in art. WHAT A GIFT! She was an amazing woman with a giant heart. I am thankful to have known her during this life.

S. M.

April 6, 2015

I am truly sorry for the lost of your love one.
ACT 24:15

Peggy Arms

April 4, 2015

Sincerest condolences go to the friends and family of Flo Barnett, an amazing person whose light will continue to shine in the hearts of many.

Being new to Paradise in the fall of 1971, I stumbled into Shibui and met Flo; my life was changed forever! She took me in and allowed me to be an instructor (macrame, batik, oils, watercolor) at Shibui, often with my son, Adam, in my backpack. She encouraged me to call Ellis Harms, then principal at Paradise Elementary School, to ask permission to take my painting class to the school parking lot to paint figures in action as the students went to recess to play. One thing led to another and I ended up enjoying a 36 year career as a teacher at Paradise Elementary School. I owe it all to Flo!

She was always positive and creative. When last I visited her at a care facility in Paradise, she was filled with the idea of writing a book about sketching with eyes closed.

At Shibui I will remember she would always say "I feel like this is heaven on earth."

Flo will be missed, but fondly remembered. She brought beauty to this world and aided others in seeing beauty.

Susan Eissinger

April 3, 2015

My late mother Hazel Eissinger spent many happy hours in Flo's watercolor classes and workshops. I was privileged to attend a couple of those classes with my mother a few years ago. At Shabui,Flo was humble and unassuming, even though her art work was outstanding. Susie Eissinger

Rose Chapel

March 31, 2015

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Rick Wilson

April 1, 2015

Flo was a very important person in my late Mom's (Madeline Wilson) life. They shared a common interest in so many different art mediums......oils, water color, weaving, tapestry, looming, making art from things from nature, etc. Seeing her works even gave my inspiration to continue drawing and to this day I sell art all around the country. My condolences to her family.

March 31, 2015

My husband and I have such fond memories of both Flo and Barney and our time spent at Shibui. But most treasured of all was our friendship and the amazing community that Flo created. My painting by Flo has always been our most prized art object, I see her gifts and creativity daily.
Kathy and Rich Colbert

Barbara Wilson

March 31, 2015

Flo was an inspiration to so many budding artists. Her gallery was a place of peace and energy at the same time. I feel lucky to have known her.

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