About Sweet Cedar Studios
Barbara Remick’s lifetime of creation began in a home that was both a residence and an active sanctuary of fine art, where her artist parents taught her that making is an essential way of processing the world. After refining her technical abilities through a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, she acquired a teaching degree and dedicated decades to a fulfilling career as a teacher and school administrator in Santa Barbara, California, while maintaining an active studio practice and showcasing her jewelry and mixed-media art in hundreds of exhibitions, co-ops, and the famous weekly Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show.
Following her retirement, she relocated to Prescott Valley, Arizona, in 2021, where the warm ochres, towering ponderosa pines, and deep turquoise skies of the high desert immediately captured her heart. Though she initially focused on her classic jewelry-making studio, she quickly discovered that the Arizona art scene was heavily saturated with master silversmiths, creating intense competition that made her realize it was time to find a fresh, open creative outlet.
The turning point arrived in January 2025 during a memorable visit from her lifelong best friend Gayle, who noticed Barbara’s readiness for a new project and suggested she apply her extensive jewelry and fine art skills to headwear while browsing their favorite historic hat shop in downtown Prescott. This lighthearted suggestion acted like a lightning bolt, immediately aligning Barbara’s love for Western aesthetics, her expertise in metalworking, and her passion for hats into a singular, exciting canvas.
Today, operating under her studio name, Sweet Cedar Studios, Barbara designs and embellishes bespoke western-style hats that are celebrated for their sustainability, narrative depth, and unique craftsmanship. She meticulously scours yard sales, thrift stores, and online marketplaces for high-quality vintage textiles, premium leather, gemstones, and metal embellishments. Using these materials, Barbara transforms standard felt and straw hats into unique, wearable sculptures that honor the heritage of the American West.
Barbara’s hats can be purchased at various boutiques in Sedona, Henderson, and Prescott. You can also find them at arts and crafts events in the Prescott area. See the show schedule here, or contact Barbara for more information.
