Barbara Louise “Paige” Abbott

Barbara Louise Abbott, also known as “Paige”, was a master printmaker, watercolor artist, and professor of Fine Art at LSU. Her unparalleled talent, innovative techniques, and love of art have left a mark on all those who knew her. She passed away on December 22, 2023, from heart disease, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in San Francisco, Barbara exhibited an aptitude for art at a young age. She spent her life drawing and painting. After raising her family, she went back to school and went on to become a highly-respected professor of Fine Art at Louisiana State University (LSU) and Edinboro University.

Her body of work has been widely exhibited and is currently archived at several institutions, including the Smithsonian, University of Utah, Arizona State University, and LSU. In addition, Barbara built public sculptures in Shreveport, Santa Cruz, and San Jose.

Barbara gained national recognition for her work in watercolor and printmaking. She contributed to several nationally curated shows and won awards for her innovative printmaking technique and composition. She was also a master printmaker producing art for prominent printers in the west. She had permanent gallery collections in Park

City, Utah and Carmel, Calif.

Barbara began teaching in her 30s and developed strong relationships with her students for over 40 years. She taught continuously in many platforms, from homeless shelters teaching basic art, to advanced printmaking in universities, to teaching English as a second language in her retirement in which she constantly drew on the chalkboard to illustrate words and meaning.

Barbara was also a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her children, Jill Seman, Janet Seman, and Michael Seman; and by her grandchildren, Alexander and Mary Coleman, Olivia and Lee Corey, and Soren Seman-Henkel. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and her artistic legacy is imbued with the values and love she imparted to them.

A celebration of Barbara’s life and art will take place in the future.