09/02/2026
NEW EXHIBITION | Opening Reception THIS FRIDAY, September 4th, from 5 - 8 PM.
Featured Exhibition: "Oblivion - A Retrospect of Works by Douglas Barrett" - Douglas Barrett
"Professor Douglas Benjamin Barrett, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away July 29, 2026. Gone far too soon, he leaves behind a legacy of creative brilliance, rigorous critique, devoted mentorship that shaped generations of designers, and lasting memories with all who were fortunate enough to be a part of his life.
Born November 5, 1962, in Greenwood, Indiana, he was the youngest of four sons of Howard and Betty Barrett. In 1969, the family moved to Orlando, Florida. Growing up in Orlando, Doug enjoyed the beaches and springs, keeping company with a close-knit group of friends, and driving his 1965 Mustang convertible.
He was hilarious, charmingly direct, and supportive of all who came into his life. Humble to the core, Doug did not want others to worry about him. Instead, with such genuineness, he took care of others and encouraged their passions and skills. Truly adored, he was the type of person everyone couldn’t wait to spend time with. Having Doug home in Orlando for the holidays was a treasure for his family, as he was such a fun, joyful light.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Doug demonstrated his impressive artistic ability and incredible eye for design early on. He received his MFA from the University of Florida (UF) and a BFA from the University of Central Florida. He had more than 20 years of professional graphic design experience, working for agencies and as a principal in his own design firm, Rodon & Barrett, Inc. His list of international clients included Mars, Inc., VISA International, and Banco Popular. He directed Bloom Studio at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), an invitation-only, independent study class where design students gain real-world experience working directly with clients on Design for Good projects. Past projects included Cahaba River Society, Bibb County, Lakeview District, Southern Research, and the Village Creek Society, to name a few. His creation of Bloom Studio is proof that Art and Design can be a core conversation in building infrastructure and equity in communities. Bloom Studio students use ideas of collaboration, innovation and creativity to propel the community towards remarkable accomplishments. Doug and Bloom fostered students on their trajectory towards outstanding careers and futures, not only as artists, but also as thoughtful, expressive, caring, community-engaged adults.
He was recognized as one of the University of Florida's Graduate Teachers of the Year in 2006, and co-directed UF's Tokyo Study Abroad program from 2008-2010. In 2013, Doug received a $47,000 Sappi Ideas that Matter Grant – one of only 13 designers awarded to help create and implement print projects for charitable causes. In 2012, he was awarded a prestigious Alabama State Arts Fellowship in Design. In 2014, he was the recipient of the SECAC Awards for Outstanding Professional Achievement in Graphic Design, and in 2016, he was awarded the UAB President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2023, Doug’s work was recognized as one of the 50 best book covers for 2022-2023 by the American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA). With 487 entries from 27 countries, AIGA 50 Books | 50 Covers competition recognizes and showcases excellence in book design from around the world. As a winner, his work was added to the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Columbia University’s Butler Library. Doug also exhibited his work both nationally and internationally.
His research interests included commuting, space and place, and typography. Fascinated with the practice of commuting, the allure of the roadside, and local visual culture, Doug was interested in exploring and representing found text and imagery in a way that talks about the constructed place. Signage, billboards, graffiti, and ephemera point to the visual culture embedded in our surroundings. By examining the details of roadside culture, he explored how meaning is constructed
and conveyed through visual and cultural relationships.
Doug was loved by his students and worked hard to help them build successful careers and develop as thoughtful artists and professionals. He was thoughtful in the ways he served and committed time to UAB working in departmental and university-wide programmatic assessment, and was instrumental in founding the UAB Department of Art and Art History’s new Graphic and Digital Design concentration. He was known as a distinguished faculty member, who navigated the great challenges he met with elegance and humility. Deeply respected by colleagues, students, and the broader arts community, his contributions to the university will have a lasting impact. He inspired hundreds of alumni who went on to lead creative agencies, have wide and diverse art and design careers, and teach at universities globally.
Doug is survived by his brothers Marcus, Paul and his wife Melinda, and Michael; his nephews Bradley and his wife Celina, Evan and his wife Krystal, Rory and his fiancé Christina, and Allen. He also leaves behind countless extended family members, friends, students, and colleagues. He was predeceased by his beloved parents Howard and Betty, and his furry companion, Kirby.
The influence Doug had on all who were lucky to know him is immeasurable. He will continue to live on in our hearts, and in our art.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to the American Cancer Society or Magic City Wellness Center in Doug’s honor.
'Dear brother, wherever you go, go with all of your heart.'"
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Other Featured Exhibitions:
Franklin Jeffers - "Ley//\\Lines"
María Korol and José Cambas - "Siete Vidas"
Amy R. Peterson - "Homespun Transcendence"
Elaine Bowman - "The Little World"
Past to Present: The Building Blocks of Gadsden City High School
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