Medina’s BarelyBean Brings Creativity to The Common Ground
By Paige Vercuski, BEAT reporter
MEDINA, OH- Art is completely endless. From sculptures to murals, photography to jewelry, anything can be art. At BarelyBean, local artist Becky Gill is able to share her passion for art with the community.
BarelyBean, at the Common Ground, located at 220 North State Road, Medina, is an art store run by artist Becky Gill. Art had always appealed to Gill throughout school and college, where she graduated in art education. “I love art, I always have—it was my favorite class in school and I loved creating art in my free time,” she explained. In 2012, she decided to start BarelyBean as a pathway to showcase her artwork. With the aid of her husband, Nate, and her two sons, Carson and Grayson, who do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work and technical support, Gill was able to share her art with the world.
Gill’s art covers many mediums, such as paintings, mugs, painting kits, thank you cards, coloring books, and much more. She loves to use muted colors and make her paintings whimsical and unique. One of her favorite things to craft, whether it be with paint, felt, or anything else, is flowers. Gill often collaborates with other art businesses to produce new products, such as T-shirts and bags with her art on them.
BarelyBean strives to support other small businesses in Medina County and uplift the community. Gill does this by attending events around the County. She is even planning an event with other small businesses from the community. She hopes to give others the care and support that they give to her.
In the future, Gill hopes to look back on her artwork and reflect on her improvement. From college, she explained, her art style has vastly changed. Anyone can support BarelyBean by stopping by Gill’s shop at the Common Ground or attending her Gilmore Girls event in March. BarelyBean is also on Facebook and Instagram. Gill hopes that her art can make even a small difference in someone’s life and the Medina County community. She said, “I want you to love it in your home or give it as a gift—I hope my artwork makes you smile.”
Paige Vercuski, Brunswick Middle School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifting, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: BarelyBean shop at the Common Ground; Becky Gill and family; Gill and family.