Marla Rae

Artist Marla Rae has enjoyed being a full-time artist for many years. Marla and her husband and best friend, Brian, founded the Barn Festival over 25 years ago. The festival is on the grounds of her current home…a home that happens to be the upper two levels of a 1930 Sears and Roebucks Barn. The festival provides an opportunity for fellow artisans from across the country to sell their wares. Tens of thousands of customers spend a unique and refreshing time in the open-air country setting that the Barn events provide each year.

Marla also had an international candle company that she and her husband grew for over 12 years before selling it. A new venture began in 2011 when Marla started her career as an artist with publisher, Penny Lane. The timing could not have been more perfect...something she likes to refer to as a “God thing”.

In the fall of 2018, Marla’s life was changed forever when her husband was diagnosed with cancer. With Marla by his side at all times, Brian fought a hard battle, yet to no avail. Brian passed away in March of 2020.

As Marla looks toward the future, her passion is to live life to its fullest, whatever that might look like. She immensely enjoys using her God given gift of creativity, and she prays that she continues to have the opportunity more than ever in this new chapter of her life. Besides art, Marla loves music, dancing, worship and good conversation.