Alumni Beyond Edgehill: Barry Wilker '71
In this feature, we check in with PDS/USN alumni from all over the world to take a look at all that life beyond Edgehill can entail. Learn about alum and artist Barry Wilker '71 and be sure to visit his “Handle with Color” exhibit in the Tibbott Center Gallery until Friday, April 19.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
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To say Barry Wilker has led a colorful life since graduating from Peabody Demonstration School would be appropriate and exceedingly accurate given the backdrop of his exhibit “Handle with Color.” Wilker, a self-described fastidious and obsessively neat child who never liked to get his hands dirty, found finger painting in nursery school highly intriguing. In his seventh-grade drafting class at Peabody Demonstration School, he discovered something fun and engaging in executing the art of drafting. With the help of his instructor, Mr. Ralph, Wilker began drawing elevations and floor plans for houses. That spark led Wilker to what he thought was his destiny: becoming an architect — until he realized how much math was involved and summarily ditched that career path. The universe, it seemed, had other plans for Barry. It wasn’t until he started working at a local furniture store that he realized he could still carve out a life in the design world as an interior designer.
That passion for design led him to create his exhibit, “Handle with Color,” which is on display in the Tibbott Art Gallery. Before opening night, Wilker took a few moments to reflect on his time at PDS, the predecessor to University School of Nashville.
Q: Please share a favorite memory from your time at 2000 Edgehill.
A: Everything. I wasn’t the best student, but I always had great experiences at Peabody, especially in my art classes.
Q: How did your USN education prepare you for the work you're doing today?
A: I’ll admit that USN is a lot more fun now, but one thing that I always valued was the interactions that I had at school. Those conversations have always stayed with me, whether it was the teachers or fellow students.
Q: What's one piece of advice you have for USN students?
A: Appreciate where you are. USN is a special place that no one should take for granted.
“Handle with Color” is Wilker’s way of incorporating the vibrant shades he was seldom able to use in his interior design work. His art, resplendent with charm, irreverent wit, and whimsy, is joyful, vibrant, vivacious, and colorful. These engaging, extraordinary pieces reflect imagination, humor, and spirit — not at all dissimilar from the artist himself.
You can see “Handle with Color” in the Tibbot Center Gallery through Friday, April 19.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.Read More -
5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.Read More -
Clear, restock your shelves during Fall Book Frenzy
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.