Barbara Lee Houlberg

December 12th, 1931 - August 22nd, 2020

Barbara's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Barbara here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Let me express my deepest sympathy on Barbara's passing. I had the pleasure of seeing Barbara as a patient over the past 6+ years, and I always smiled when I saw her name on my list of scheduled patients for the day. Barb was always spunky and witty and great to talk with for an extra 10-15 minutes after her appointment was over; even though it made me run a little late the rest of the day, it was well worth it to enjoy her company. I'll always remember her fondly.

Dr. Dustin Hall

She was one of the most influential people in my life - one of my art teachers between 69-73 at New Trier East. Amazing mind, wonderful woman, had a way of encouraging me and challenging me that few have had. "Basha" she would sometimes tell me her name was. She's the voice that overrode the ones saying that art was a waste of time and I wasn't good enough... She taught me to find my own confidence. She treated me like a person (with respect), not just a student. I learned valuable lessons from her that I never even heard in college art classes. Almost 50 years later I can still see her face, her classrooms, hear her instruction and support. I still refer to her book, "The Craft of Teaching Drawing," while in my art studio which I likely would not have created without my experiences with her. I am so grateful that she entered my life. The world is definitely a better place because of Basha Dickerson.

Nancy Goodpasture

Houlberg, Barbara "The Craft of Teaching Drawing - A Working Manual for Drawing Teachers"
A book - and a unique experience for all of us:
In was the early 1970’s. Rebellion against many of the established rules had become part of mainstream thinking. We knew we were a generation in new territory. We knew that expressing ourselves was part of what we were to do.
Houlberg (then Dickerson) announced to us that she was going to teach us how to draw. She told us that she was writing a book, and wanted to put what she was teaching us in it, using our art work for illustrations. She told us what we were learning with each assignment. We were allies.