The Early Years
Anne Barge was born on January 8, 1947, in Cordele, Georgia to John Powell and Ada Willams Barge. The eldest of three children, Anne was surrounded by music and art during her childhood. Her mother played piano at weddings hosted across South Georgia and Anne spent her earliest years at her mother’s side, listening to her play while watching brides float down the aisle. By the age of 3, she had begun to fill notebooks with sketches of brides. Her aunt Jean Williams, an artist and teacher, encouraged her artistic pursuits.
Barge was a top student at Crisp County High School, regularly recognized in the local newspaper for her achievements. Although she was determined to become a bridal fashion designer, her parents insisted she continue her education at a four-year university. Barge graduated with a degree in Art Education from the University of Georgia in 1969. She then accepted a design apprenticeship in Massachusetts at Priscilla of Boston, a renowned bridal design firm, where she began her professional design career.
In the following clips, Anne discusses her early connections to music and art and her path into college and the field of bridal design.