Welcome!
This site is dedicated to the life and art of Bobby (Barbara) Maas. She was born in 1922 in Watertown, WI, daughter of Dr. W. W. and Doris Arzberger. After attending Downer College in Milwaukee, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She married Albert Maas Jr. in 1947 and they had two daughters, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Bobby was the consummate artist and was well-known for her colorful art, flamboyant dress, big ideas and zest for life. She preferred bright clothing, large jewelry and hats that she often decorated herself. She was outspoken when it came to art and worked hard to encourage a culture of art and beauty in her city. In her personal life she was surrounded by many friends, threw fabulous parties and cultivated a beautiful garden in her home by the Rock river.
Bobby created art most of her life. She was best known for her colorful abstract paintings, but she also worked in many other mediums, including pencil, pastel, encaustic wax, block prints, and 3-D materials such as stained glass, stone, metal and plaster of paris. Her subjects ranged from abstracts to still life, animals, portraits, landscapes and more. She maintained a studio in her home and had several fellow artists join her in the creative process. Several of her works have won regional awards as well as her garden.
Bobby’s Legacy
Bobby was founder and president of the Watertown Arts Council for 34 years. She organized the Arts Council’s annual outdoor festival and began the Council’s circulating art collection.
Bobby spearheaded several beautification projects for the city, including three fountains in the Rock river. The Main Street bridge was named for her by the Watertown Riverfest Committee in 1996 in recognition of her contributions and being the “art conscience” of the community.
Bobby also won a posthumous Governor’s Award by the Wisconsin Foundation of the Arts for her tireless work in promoting arts in the city.
After her death in 2000, the Watertown Arts Council received numerous memorials in her name and the Bobby Maas Memorial Fountain was installed at Fannie P. Lewis park in 2004.
Artwork Gallery Coming Soon!
Bobby was a prolific artist and her work is hanging in the homes of friends, family and art buyers all over the country.
A gallery is currently under construction that will allow visitors to search and view Bobby’s artwork. There are more than 200 pieces documented so far!
Do you own a BOBBY?
If you have a “Bobby” work of art, please consider contacting the email below so your Bobby can be documented on the site. This would be especially appreciated for any art acquired at the Maas estate sale, but it will be great to hear from her family and friends as well.