Originally from Oklahoma, Hope Barton moved to Florida in 1950 and has made Clermont her home for more than 38 years. Over the years Hope has worked as a printmaker, creating multiple-plate and hand-colored etchings before moving on to acrylic painting in 2011. She donated her etching presses and other equipment to the Doris Art Center in Gainesville and the New Smyrna Art League. Hope demonstrated at Epcot’s Flower & Garden Show for seven years and has also demonstrated at several art leagues. In 2015 she was commissioned to paint two 48×60 paintings for Baptist Hospital South and has several paintings throughout Flagler County and the city of Jacksonville.

Upon returning to Clermont in 2016 from 12 years in St. Augustine, Hope set her sights on finding a new studio space. Hope opened Hope Barton Fine Arts Studio and Gallery in downtown Clermont last year to showcase the beauty of Florida through her art and visiting artists. The gallery is divided into three sections: Hope Barton, acrylic painting, etchings and etching plates; Studio A features invited artists plus crafts, jewelry and pottery; Studio B features artists on a regular basis.

You can visit Hope’s website to view the current featured artists and their work. You can also sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know when new pieces arrive.

Hope Barton Fine Arts Studio and Gallery, located at 647 Lake Ave., is open Wednesday – Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (9 p.m. if there is a wine walk), Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.