This tireless public servant became known as "Atlanta's Architect for the future..."
Barbara Miller Asher was born in 1938 in Marshfield, Wisconsin, a predominately Catholic town. There she grew up with her parents and younger sister. Her mother was a catholic, originally from Chicago, and her father was from one of the few Jewish families in Marshfield. Growing up in the small town she was not especially connected to her Jewish roots, but became involved in the community in college and remained invested throughout her lifetime.
In college at H. Sophie Newcom Memorial College (a coordinate of Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana) she also became involved in many student organizations and leadership positions. This pushed her forward into a life of community involvement and public service. After college she moved to New York City to work for New York University for a few years, and while there, worked at Bloomingdale’s, where she met her husband, Norman. Once married, the two left New York for Atlanta, where her husband had grown up. |
In Atlanta Barbara got a job at Rich’s and tried to find other social outlets. She eventually landed on volunteering with the National Council of Jewish Women. Upon the birth of the first of her two children she left the work force, committing all her time to volunteer work through various organizations.
Her 14 years of volunteer work gave her a lot of support when she decided to run for public office, and she was elected to the city council in 1977. Barbara was very committed to serving her community and served multiple terms in office.
Her 14 years of volunteer work gave her a lot of support when she decided to run for public office, and she was elected to the city council in 1977. Barbara was very committed to serving her community and served multiple terms in office.
Women of Distinction Tour created by ATLsherpaHelping you connect with ATL's past, present and future. Stay curious and keep exploring!
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How & Where to Connect
The best way to connect with Ms. Asher is to visit "Architect for the Future" (sculpture) and Barbara Asher Plaza. Instructions for getting there are provided below.
Architect for the Future, Barbara Asher is a figurative portrait of beloved City Council member and businesswoman, Barbara Asher, who was instrumental in bringing the Olympics to Atlanta. After passing away, this monument was constructed in her honor in Downtown Atlanta.
Haugen is a natural sculptor and is primarily self-taught. He has attended classes at the New York Academy of Art and the Scottsdale Artists School. He has studied with internationally known sculptors Bruno Lucchesi, George Lundeen, Lincoln Fox, Grant Speed, Richard McDonald and Peter Rubino. Don received his B.A. from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
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"Architect for the Future" by Don Haugen and Teena Stern, 1998. Bronze, granite, and cement.
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WOMEN OF VALOR CHAI QUILT
This beautiful quit recognizes eighteen women whose contributions are to the Arts, Social Service, Politics and Social Justice. Each of the women depicted on the quilt work for the betterment of their communities and positively impacted the course of history. One of the women featured on the quilt is Barbara Miller Asher, 1938-1995. Barbara literally reached out and touched the lives of others. In the words of Rabbi Alvin Sugarman of The Temple, “Barbara’s leadership career is quite remarkable. There is literally no end to the depth and breadth of the leadership positions she has held throughout her lifetime.” Barbara had an uncanny way of seeing a problem and developing a solution for it. She was a “hands on” woman who knew the system, both how it worked and how to make it work. Source: Breman Museum, Atlanta |
Getting there...
Barbara Asher's "Architect for the Future" is located at the intersection of Marietta and Broad Streets in Downtown Atlanta. The sculpture stands in the median of Marietta Street.
Barbara Asher Square is on Broad Street (which is currently closed to traffic) just south of Marietta Street, next to the Metropolitan Lofts. This Google Map will lead you to the exact location. |
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