B.A. Schmidt Arts & Enterprises, Inc., established in 2000 by Barbara Schmidt in Highland Park, Illinois, specializes in unique handmade porcelain relief tiles. A family-run business, it features the artistic talents of Barbara, who transitioned from a successful career as an attorney at the Federal government to pursue her passion for tile-making. Having honed her artistic skills through extensive education in painting and pottery, she discovered her love for decorative tiles while working at the SEC. Inspired by the beauty of tiles in the New York subway, she began her journey in tile art with her first kiln purchase in 1998.
The company offers over 100 distinctive tile designs, many inspired by classic children's illustrations and natural imagery. Each tile is crafted entirely by hand, employing a meticulous process that involves creating a model, constructing plaster molds, and hand-pressing the clay. This painstaking craftsmanship ensures that each tile is unique, with added detailing enhancing their beauty. Barbara often employs an antique glaze finish to provide a vintage look, reminiscent of historical art.
B.A. Schmidt Arts tiles serve versatile purposes, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, from kitchen backsplashes to garden walls. They can easily complement various stone and commercially available field tiles, showcasing an artistic blend in any setting. The tiles have garnered acclaim in the artisan tile community, even winning tile design awards, including the Tile Magazine Coverings Select Award for best Artisan Tile in 2010.
Barbara Schmidt continues to embrace her artistic journey by teaching tile-making, guiding new artists in the craft. With a commitment to quality and artistry, B.A. Schmidt Arts remains a beacon for those seeking unique, handcrafted porcelain tiles, infusing spaces with creativity and culture.
