In May, we lost a dear friend of the Donkey Mill, Barbara Pfaffenberger. Barbara was a passionate advocate for the arts and a natural leader. She served on the Mill’s Board of Directors from 2014 to 2017 and generously volunteered her time to assist Hiroki Morinoue with the Mill’s annual exhibits, installations, and Annual Art Auction. She was also an extraordinary docent, turning the gallery into a classroom—both at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, where she served for over twenty years, and at the Donkey Mill’s gallery.
Heather McBride, Barbara’s niece, remembers: “Some of my dearest memories of Barb involve museums. I could (and did!) spend hours and hours with her taking a deep dive into the art world and emerging with new eyes every time.”
Barbara moved through the world of contemporary art with a discerning eye and a quiet mastery. An accomplished artist in her own right, she expressed herself through ceramics, acrylics, collage, and prints—each piece a reflection of her curiosity and vision. Ever the lifelong learner, she found joy in exploration, taking classes at the Mill in monoprinting, mokuhanga, architectural ceramics, and beyond. Her work spoke with quiet power—conceptually bold, artistically refined, and unmistakably her own.
As part of her legacy, Barbara has donated her personal art collection to benefit the Mill. A few select pieces will be included in our 2026 Annual Art Auction fundraiser next spring.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life & potluck brunch will be held on Sunday, September 28th from 11:00am – 2:00pm at the Donkey Mill Art Center. Please bring a pupu to share. Beverages will be provided. No RSVP necessary, but please consider carpooling as parking is limited.
Read more about Barbara in her family’s words here.
If you’d like to make a gift to the Donkey Mill in memory of Barbara, you can give online here or visit the Donkey Mill in person. Donations may also be made out and mailed to:
Donkey Mill Art Center
78-6670 Mamalahoa Hwy
Holualoa, HI 96725