In 1967, Sharon Munger moved to a property on Cove Road, Vashon Island, where she found the shell of a barn, built in 1900. It was a roof and pole structure used for milking, storage, chickens and boat building. Over time she added walls, windows, a woodstove and a wood floor. In the mid 1970’s Sharon began using the barn as an art studio, creating batik with friends. The group called itself Barnworks, had a few weekend shows and took part in summer art fairs. When Sharon took a watercolor class on Vashon one year, she found herself offering her barn as a studio and gallery for a critique group that grew out of the class.

The watercolor group changed members along the way and some of the original painters remain. As the group of artists

began working in other media, an agreement was reached to exhibit not only watercolor paintings, but other media as well (oil, pastel, acrylic, etc). Monthly critiques are held at the barn and two shows a year: the members’ Annual Holiday Show in December and the Spring Invitational in May, when the group invites guest artists to exhibit two and three dimensional work. Both shows are held during the Vashon Island Art Studio Tour.

The barn continues to serve the community as well as the twelve current Barnworks members. Art workshops, meeting, retreats and small weddings take place here. The Vashon Allied Arts community quilt is quilted in the barn. Each year Barnworks donates to the Vashon High School scholarship fund from the sales of artwork.