09/26/2026
Averil Smith Barone is a watercolor artist and art educator whose work encompasses teaching, children’s book publishing, museum education, and community arts.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Art History and English from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, followed by a master’s degree in Art Education from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since 2008, she has taught art in educational, cultural, and community settings throughout the Philadelphia region.
Averil spent ten years as an agent representing children’s book illustrators, developing extensive knowledge of visual storytelling, publishing, and the professional art world. Later, she worked as a tour guide at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, where she shared her knowledge of art, design, history, and the museum’s collections and historic landscape.
She has served as an Encore Artist with Art-Reach in Philadelphia since 2009, developing hands-on creative programming for diverse communities. She currently teaches “Averil’s Watercolor Workshop” at the National Constitution Center and has led watercolor workshops and other art programs in a variety of settings.
Nature, architecture, memories, and the beauty of everyday life inspire Averil’s watercolor practice. Through her artwork and teaching, she encourages others to observe the world closely, engage their creativity, and discover the possibilities of artistic expression.
