My Dad the Bow-Tie Guy, Martha Barnds
BETTENDORF, IOWA (May 19, 2022) — “When she walked into my classroom, she was eighty-five pounds of confidence wrapped in a forty-five pound body. She quickly took her seat and presented me with five drawings she created in her ‘home studio.’ This five-year-old said, ‘I like to set up still-lifes in my basement and draw them.’ That was the first day I met Martha Barnds. She has attended classes for thirteen years,” said Beréskin Gallery and Art Academy’s teacher Pat Bereskin. This June, Martha and five of her other Quad City senior high school students will be celebrated at the opening of “Miles on the Brush '' exhibition:
· Malia Shinbori, Bettendorf
· Martha Barnds, Davenport Central
· Grace Hopkins, Davenport Central
· Lily Tackett, Davenport Central
· Brennan Korczak, Pleasant Valley
· Madelyn Young, Homeschooled
"June is typically the Student Art Show at Beréskin’s gallery, and this year we have focused on the investment of time in talent. These students have been attending classes once a week during the school calendar year for many years and finding ways to expand their creative thinking,” Bereskin says. “My advanced-level students undertook some intensive challenges represented in this exhibition, with great effort.” “It is an honor to be their teacher.”
Untitled, Brennan Korcza
Three of the six students applied for and received the prestigious 2022 Brand-Boeshaar Scholarships from the Figge Art Museum. Malia Shinbori, Martha Barnds, and Grace Hopkins. Works from their winning portfolios will be presented.
Moo and Me, Malia Shinbori
Malia Shinbori was asked if she would have any advice for younger art students in the community, “If I were to give advice to any young artists, “I would recommend criticizing your own work along with your peers’, taking risks, trying new mediums, and learning from your mistakes so that you can become a better artist with every new piece. Moreover, I would stray away from procrastinating; speaking from first-hand experience, because all that will do is make finishing a piece even harder.” “I have learned many life lessons and skills along the way. Without Mrs B, I would have never discovered my passion for art, or imagined a creative career in my future.”
Red Truck, Madelyn Young
Beginning this fall, the Beréskin Art Academy will now be offering its classes through the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa and the Family Museum in Bettendorf, Iowa. Pat Bereskin, who started the Beréskin Gallery and Art Academy, will be working with the Figge and Family Museum on the transition.
Pumpkins Charcoal, Lily Tackett
The newly-branded Art Academy at the Figge is for intermediate to advanced level students in upper elementary school through high school age. The Beginner Art Academy at the Family Museum is for beginner level students in early elementary grades. Both locations will begin their class offerings in August. The Art Academy is designed for students to enhance their artistic skills through various teaching techniques Bereskin (aka “Mrs B”) has perfected over the years. Students bring their most current artwork and interview with Bereskin for the ongoing academy classes that meet weekly during the school year (August-May). This allows the student to see if it is a good fit for them and Bereskin to evaluate what level is best suited for the student.
Bridge of Sighs, Grace Hopkins
The Bereskin Gallery (2967 State St, Bettendorf) will host a reception on Friday, June 3, 5:30-7:30PM, to showcase the seniors’ work, as well as Bob Ziedler’s “It’s All Greek to Me” works. All works will be on display through the June 16. The event will include refreshments. The community is invited. For more information on the Bettendorf gallery, visit www.bereskinartgallery.com or for information about summer and fall classes contact Pat at bereskinartgallery@gmail.com
