Joan Herbert is an artist whose childhood was steeped in the lore of the pioneer west. Three of her four grandparents were Barr Colonists who came out on the S.S. Manitoba in 19O3. They settled in the Gully School District northeast of Lashburn where Joan would later grow up. (The trials end tribulations of the pioneers of this area are described in Mary Hiemstra's book "Gully Farm"). As a child Joan listened raptly as her Grandmother Metherell told of prairie fires they had to fight, the hunt for a bear who wandered into the neighbourhood and of friendly natives who happened by.

Joan exhibited a passion for art at an early age, often getting into trouble for drawing wing on anything that caught her fancy tablecloths, walls or school desks. Her first award" came in Grade One when her teacher entered her artwork in the Lloydminster Fair. Joan remembers thinking she had really reached the big time winning a first prize ribbon and a whole dollar.

As a teen, Joan joined the Lashburn Art Club and was introduced to oil painting and pen and ink drawing. Later, after she married, between working and raising a family, Joan's artwork was largely put on hold. Still she managed to find some time in winter for painting and drawing, and as the family grew became more involved in her art. Having always lived on a farm, it was quite natural that farm life and animals would be the choice of subject for Joan's art. Drawing horses particularly appealed to her.

Joan's accomplishments included illustrating two local history books, "Preserving the Past" and "South of the Gully". Her work has been on exhibit at Kevin's Gallery, Saskatoon All - Stars Pro Rodeo, Canadian Cowboy Festival (Calgary), Saskatoon Mexabition, Western Development Museum (North Battleford), and the Barr Colony Museum. She also exhibited at the River Junction Visual Art Show winning People's Choice Award and at the Marsden – Neilburg Art Show, where she won People's Choice award for eight years.

Much of Joan's work centres around ranching. She designed the cover for McMillan Ranch Sale Catalogue from 1992 - 1995 and painted the Grand Champion mare and gelding for the Saskatchewan Junior Quarter Home Association. In addition Joan has painted awards for numerous events. Joan has generously donated paintings for auction to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Saskatchewan Cattlefeeders Association, North Battleford Lion's Club (for the hospital) and many others.

Joan presently lives on a farm near Neilberg. Her husband Raymond complements her work with his hand-made frames and woodwork.