Longtime Arlington arts community leader Bill Barter dies at 93

Bill Barter, artist and Arlington Museum of Art founding board member, died July 24.

Barter, 93, was a constant figure in the Fort Worth-area art scene. 

He held positions at the Arlington Museum of Art and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. He was also an active member of the Fort Worth Art Collective. 

Barter first arrived in Arlington in the 1960s when he took a job at an aerospace company and eventually joined Lockheed Martin. 

He pursued art classes in each town he lived in and also began exploring local museums and galleries and joining any meeting of creatives.

In the 1980s, he helped found the Arlington Museum of Art. Barter served as president of the museum twice and was a consistent volunteer. 

Chris Hightower, current Arlington Museum of Art president, first met Barter in the early 2000s after purchasing a piece by the longtime artist during a museum gala. 

“I stayed friends with him over the years, went to visit him and hear his stories about his first exhibit and all that kind of stuff,” Hightower said. “He’s just a great friend and a good patron of the museum.” 

The museum has grown and moved locations. Hightower was initially worried the changes would upset former museum members, but Barter quickly threw his support behind the group, he said. 

“It meant a lot to me,” Hightower said. 

Alongside his work with the Arlington Museum of Art, Barter was a frequent contributor to the Fort Worth Art Collective, a group of artists who collaborate on exhibits. 

Barter’s passion and work ethic set the example for the group, said Bernardo Vallarino, the lead coordinator for the collective.

“He was a great mentor on what it means to be an artist,” Vallarino said.

Barter worked on his art until he entered hospice a few weeks ago. Vallarino said it was a testament to his love of art.

“What was interesting about him was that, even though he was the oldest member, he participated in almost every show,” Vallarino said. 

Barter’s last piece is on display in the collective’s exhibition at the Arlington Museum of Art. Organizers knew Barter had health problems and wanted to ensure he was included, Hightower said.

“We wanted to continue to honor him,” Hightower said. “He’s been such an integral part of the museum for such a long time.” 

Barter’s painting in the exhibit is named “The N Game” — pronounced “the end game.” Vallarino said the name was a natural extension of his humor. 

A wreath will be placed in front of the piece to honor Barter, Vallarino said. 

“Creating and the fact that he was part of something and always had something to look forward to kept him alive,” Vallarino said. “Creating also helped him with the circumstances of aging and facing them in a more positive way.” 

Chris Moss is a reporting fellow for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@fortworthreport.org.

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