The following biographical information was provided by Claire L. Tebo, a former student of the artist:

Baldwin was born in South Portland, Maine on Jan. 13, 1914, daughter of the late Charles and Vella Smith.

She graduated from the Portland School of Fine Art and continued her studies at the Pennsylvania Academy in Philadelphia, and the National Academy of Design in New York City.  She belonged to the Art Students League in New York City and attended the Ettl School of Sculpture as an apprentice to John Ettl.

In 1952, she moved to Groveland, Massachusetts  from New York City and founded the Barn Art Studio in Groveland and West Newbury.  She was an inspirational artist to many students, both as a teacher at Northern Essex Community College and at the Barn Art Studio.

Barbara's accomplishments and awards were numerous, including the Brotherhood of Children Award for her painting "War Child" which was used by the Foster Parents Plan for War Children in 1947 as their trademark.  She has been listed in Who's Who in American Art and chosen by the Governor of Maine and his art council as the "Sculptor of Maine".  Barbara among other things was also chosen twice by the Reader's Digest for the luminous sculpture and painting of the "Flame Angel" for both their cover and their World Christmas Card.  She also did several monuments and architectural sculptures for two New York World's Fairs.  Her art developed into a unique technique of luminosity in which the subject appeared from a glowing inner light source.  She studied many religions and applied spirituality to her art.

An animal rights activist, she loved animals and had created the medallion used by the M.S.P.C.A.

She passed away at the age of 93, on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at the Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Source:
Obituary. Eagle-Tribune Newspaper May 8, 2007