About Bruce Barry

B RUCE entered the theming industry in the early 80's working at Sally Industries in Jacksonville, FL. While there he traveled throughout the world creating exciting themed environments from theme parks to movie sets. During that time, he was assigned to create portions of the ET Ride at Universal Studios in California and felt honored to work alongside Dan Dryden, who inspired him to pursue his dreams.

Bruce is a man of many interests. Not only does he enjoy designing, painting, and building, with any medium he could get his hands on, but he also has a passion for animation. In the early 90's, he worked with Ken Mitchroney of Last Laff Studios on projects such as the talking Pink Panther cartoon and Ren and Stimpy. In 2005 he received several prestigious Dove awards for creating, producing and directing Roach Approach and The Bug Rangers, an animated video series distributed by 20th Century Fox.

His love for sculpting gave him the opportunity to work on hundreds of memorable jobs, including the tree at F.A.O Schwarz. From museums to hospitals and pediatric offices throughout the country, Bruce set no limits. In the mid 90's he was commissioned by KX in Orlando to design an animated themed environment for a new restaurant that was to be built in the Mall of America. The hand sculpted maquette Bruce created was presented to the owners, by KX, who were awarded the contract for the Rain Forest Cafe, one of the first animated themed restaurants to be built outside of a theme park with locations in major cities throughout the world. In 1993 he was commissioned by Joanna Meiseles, granddaughter of the late Jack Benny, to design and create Snip-its, a fully animated hair salon for kids, which has been reported by USA Today as one of the fastest growing franchises in America.

It was in 1997 his talent was called upon in a way that took even him by surprise. He received a call from Springdale, Arkansas to create a themed environment. But this time it wasn't for a theme or amusement park. It wasn't a stage set, a store, or even a restaurant. This time it was for something entirely different. This time it was for a Church. He didn't know it at that time, but he was soon to become the pioneer of themed environments in children's ministries. His work, better known as "The Wacky World" style, can now be seen in thousands of churches in the US, Canada, and abroad.

But, Bruce's story doesn't end here. To experience the talent of Bruce is to first understand where it all began. At a very early age he was stricken with a potentially fatal illness, rheumatic fever. Through the help of Easter Seals he was admitted into a Children's Specialized Hospital/Children's Country Home, completely immobilized, where he spent years staring at the sterile walls and ceiling. It was then he realized his goal, which was to paint and create exciting fun places...no matter where it was. Once fully recovered, he set off on his bicycle to do just that. Too young to officially get a job he began by painting windows and signs for local businesses. He jumped on every opportunity.

Throughout his life he has donated much of his time and talent at schools and charitable organizations such as Give Kids a World in Orlando, Florida, Make a Wish Foundation, and A Kid's Place, to name just a few. It's been his way of giving back for a gift with which he was blessed. He may not have been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but he was blessed with a paint brush in his hand...and has been painting ever since.

Although his passion for creating themed environments started at an early age, it didn't happen by chance. Bruce was born the son of amazing talent. His father, Dick Barry, born in 1903, worked on many outstanding projects including Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the 40's. From 1952-1955 he was Clarabelle the clown on the Howdy Doody Show and later appeared as Bubbles the Clown with the Ringling Brothers Circus. He also appeared with Ray Heatherton on the Merry Mailman, as well as the Garry Moore and Today shows and toured with the Tommy Dorsey Band.

His mom was also very talented, having performed off-Broadway in her early years with her friend and roommate, actress Gena Rowlands.. While taking time off to raise her family, she developed her artistic skills and later became a decorator.

Seventeen years ago Bruce met his wife, Vivian, a well established interior designer in Tampa, Florida. Both known for creating themed interiors, they were often hired to work on many of the same projects. Before long Bruce moved to Tampa and began working with Vivian, who at the time was creating award winning model homes. It was a match made in heaven. These days Vivian works alongside Bruce and has focused much of her creative energy developing ways to package Bruce's creations so that everyone can have one of his themed environments. From residential to large scale commercial, no matter what your budget may be, everyone can now have a Wacky World interior with Bruce Barry's Themes-to-Go.

Bruce continues to design and create some of the most well thought out themed products and interiors. He has been featured on numerous talk shows, and continues to be a motivational and inspirational speaker in schools and conventions throughout the country. His genuine love for the arts, his desire to create unique, fun and exciting environments, and his ability to design, draw and create right in front of you, sets him apart. From concept to finished product, Bruce is hands-ons. Whether your job is big or small, Bruce and the entire Wacky World family are committed to making your experience a wonderful one.