Allen Barber (1939 - 1994) was an American artist born September 24 in Philadelphia, PA. His artistic journey began at Germantown Friends School, where he laid the foundation for his future in the world of fine arts. In 1961, Barber earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Tyler School of Fine Arts at Temple University, marking the formal commencement of his artistic education.

In 1962, Barber held his first solo exhibition at the Philadelphia Print Club. Notably, the Philadelphia Museum of Art acquired prints from this exhibition. Following this success, Barber's artistic endeavors brought him to Europe, where he collaborated with S.W. Hayter at Atelier 17. While in Europe, he had a solo exhibition at Galerie Gravura in Lisbon, Portugal.

Barber's artistic exploration continued in 1965 with a graduate fellowship at the University of Arkansas. He then transitioned to the role of a teacher at Kansas State College in Pittsburgh, Kansas, where he was provided with space and assistance to work on large-scale sculptures. His sculptures were exhibited at the Bertha Schaefer Gallery in New York.

The late 1960s marked a significant move for Allen Barber as he relocated to New York in 1967-8. In the following years, from 1969 to 1972, he began sculpting in clear acrylics, with four of his pieces exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum. His sculpture at Hunter College gained recognition and became a focal point for publicity at the Brooklyn Museum of Art School until 1977.

In 1972, Barber joined the Parsons School of Design faculty, where he continued teaching until 1994. His commitment to education extended internationally when he directed the Parsons summer session in Israel in 1987. Additionally, in 1988, he served as an exchange professor at Bezalel in Jerusalem, further contributing to the global landscape of art education.

Allen Barber passed away in Brooklyn on July 15, 1994. Despite his untimely departure, Barber's legacy lives on through his contributions to the art world as an accomplished artist and dedicated educator. His impact on the art community remains a testament to his passion, creativity, and enduring influence.