About Makin' a Difference

Makin' a Difference is a US-based small business founded in 2007 as a tribute to my late father, Barry Nelles.  Our organic and responsibly sourced clothing features Barry's original artwork.  Makin' a Difference products were originally sold at outdoor venues including markets, arts and craft shows, and concerts, eventually moving to our global online store. 

Barry Nelles (1933-2003) was a master print maker.  A natural talent from an early age, he apprenticed under comic book artist Tom Gill in New York City where he worked on the original Lone Ranger and Cheyenne publication, as well as the Archie comic books and others.

After marrying and moving to Connecticut, Barry began a long career as a public school art teacher in the small town of East Hampton, where he lived for nearly 45 years together with his wife Mary Lou - also a talented artist who attended the renowned Art Students League in New York City.

 

Barry remained a prolific artist throughout his life and his linoleum block prints represent a rare collection of work in this medium by one artist.  The comic influence remained present in his art, as did his interests.  His body of work is an uncommon blend of illustrative, comic, and fine art genres that is easily recognizable because of its playful content and style.  Even his renditions of buildings, such as in his linoleum block print of Ludwig's castle (Neuschwanstein), highlight his visual aesthetic.  Favorite themes included the circus, antique automobiles, western scenes, architecture, everyday people, as well as birds and a huge variety of other fanciful creatures, like the ones that give Makin' a Difference apparel its whimsical spirit!

"The Circus"

One of Barry's most notable works is entitled "The Circus", which portrays everything imaginable going on all at once under the big top in one lively 3.5 square foot print.  In 2021, Barry's linoleum block print entitled "East Haddam" was posthumously accepted into the permanent collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art.  This work, measuring 34 feet, is the longest linoleum block print ever created by a single artist.  It depicts the houses and landscape of a historic section of East Haddam, a town situated along the Connecticut River Valley.  Only a few full-length prints were ever produced. 

Three-foot section, "East Haddam" 

New Britain Museum of American Art e-museum listing

 

As a teacher, Barry helped thousands of students express themselves through art.  He taught students to use all types of media, including clay for sculpture and pottery thrown on the wheel, film development in the dark room, and carving tools for his specialty - linoleum block printing.

As an art teacher and through other endeavors like running town Park and Recreation programs, Barry always found ways to help young people learn to express and feel good about themselves.  In art classes he never forced students to use materials they didn't like.  This practice was a reflection of his philosophy about teaching.  Barry believed that it did not matter what students "became" with respect to their career - what mattered was the attitude they had about themselves. 

Art helps with attitude.
 

Makin' A Difference continues to bring you Barry's unique creatures and original wearable artwork on responsibly sourced, manufactured, and printed cotton apparel - leaving you Feeling Good Inside & Out!

 

Why wear organic cotton?

 

Conventional farming, processing, and printing of cotton use huge amounts of energy and precious water (more than 700 gallons to produce 1 conventional T-shirt).  Traditional cotton products also involve genetically modified organisms (GMO), toxic chemicals, and other harmful practices that put farmers, manufacturers, ecosystems, and our planet at risk.

 

Organic cotton is grown in a way that promotes healthier soil through practices like crop rotation, conserves water through controlled and rain-fed irrigation, and uses natural methods to manage pests.  Using organic cotton products is a conscientious choice that supports these sustainable practices, which benefit people and the environment.

Makin’ a Difference is helping to promote ethical and responsible consumption.  Our collections featuring certified organic cotton clothing are always made following strict standards to minimize the environmental impact during the entire production process – from cultivation, processing, and manufacturing to dyeing and printing using biodegradable, water-based inks that are safe for your skin.  Using only ethically sourced materials, Makin’ a Difference is committed to offering environmentally conscious clothing that “breathes” like the Earth – leaving you Feelin’ Good Inside & Out!

Caring for your premium organic cotton garments

Makin’ a Difference clothing is crafted to the highest quality standards in terms of durability, luxurious feel, and washability. To ensure the longevity and comfort of our natural fiber apparel items, always store them in a cool, dry place.  We recommend gentle washing in cold water using ecologically kind cleaning products like mild biodegradable detergents, oxygen bleach or baking soda to treat stains, and white vinegar for softening (always patch-test first).  Choose air- or low-heat drying and moderate-heat ironing.  Following this environmentally conscious care routine will help to maintain the organic integrity and delightful softness of your favorite organic cotton clothing for many years to come.