WILSON, N.C. — JANUARY 14, 2026 — Barton Art Galleries will open “Parallel Origins: From Distant Roots to Shared Worlds,” featuring the work of Robert Smith and José Bayro C., on Thursday, Feb. 5. The exhibition brings together two independent artistic voices that, while following separate creative paths, converge in a shared visual language where memory and imagination meet. A public reception will be held Thursday, Feb. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a gallery talk beginning at 6 p.m.; admission is free and the community is invited to attend..
“Parallel Origins” brings together two independent artistic voices side by side, exploring memory, material, and personal history. Although the artists share a studio in Puebla, Mexico, each presents a distinct body of work, creating a visual dialogue without collaboration. This exhibition marks Barton College’s first dual-artist residency, highlighting the parallel paths of these accomplished artists.
During their residency, from Feb. 2 through Feb. 14, Smith and Bayro will work closely with students enrolled in Barton’s “Studio Concepts” course. Students will participate in exhibition installation during the first week and transition into studio-based projects with the artists during the second week.
The artists will also lead community workshops on Saturday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each session begins with a gallery discussion of the artists’ work and process, followed by hands-on art-making in Barton’s studios. Workshops are free for Friends of Visual Arts members; the cost is $35 for non-members.
The residency will include open studio time, interdisciplinary conversations with students, and informal opportunities for engagement with faculty, visitors, and the community.
About the Artists —
José Bayro C. is a Bolivian-born, nationalized Mexican visual artist whose paintings and sculptures combine humor, symbolism, and cultural memory. Drawing on carnival traditions, Latin American imagery, and trompe l’oeil techniques, Bayro’s work examines identity, social class, and everyday life. His pieces have been exhibited at the Museo Internacional del Barroco in Puebla and internationally across Latin America.
Robert Smith, originally from North Carolina, blends visual art and textile design in his practice. Educated at the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Fashion Institute of Technology, Smith has directed the Textile Design Program at Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla and exhibited in events including the Puebla de los Ángeles Biennial. His work engages deeply with material, pattern, and process, creating a tactile and visual language all his own.
For more information about “Parallel Origins” and related events, contact Barton Art Galleries at [email protected] or 252-399-6476.
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