Pat Bereskin, Mrs. B, was drawn to art at a very young age. She was 4-years-old when she started copying things she saw. As she grew up, she was inspired by the Winky Dink and Captain Kagaroo TV shows along with some of her Bettendorf school teachers. She remembers having a horrible experience in 3rd grade and knew that she could do a better job than the 48-year-old teacher that led the class. She was also inspired by Sarajane Organ Boyd Fellin, an art teacher who loved her job. Bereskin says, " I loved working with children and being an artist so teaching art just made sense." Mrs. B's School of Art was born in 1992 and classes were held in the basement of Pat's Bettendorf home.
25 years and over 500 students later Bereskin opened Atom Studio with artist Dean Kugler in Bucktown Center for the Arts. The gallery has grown very quickly in the last 5 years. The name was changed to Beréskin Gallery and several months ago the gallery moved to the old Foster Music Building in Bettendorf. Twenty artists have joined the gallery to exhibit, with half of those artist teaching. "I was waiting for the gallery to be at the right place in its development to bring Mrs B's into the mix," says Bereskin. "Our students get a team of teachers who are professional artists. My goal is to provide the upcoming generation of artists the best in Art education at all levels and mediums. I really feel that Beréskin Gallery and Art Academy can fill that need."
Beréskin's commitment to education can be seen in it's latest brochure offering 23 classes in all mediums including it's newest "Atelier" Drawing Program that focuses on drawing and technique.
For additional information please contact Pat at the gallery, 2967 State Street, Bettendorf or bereskinartgallery@gmail.com.
Beréskin Fine Art Gallery and Studio represents twenty full time artists along with rotating guest artist exhibits. They offer classes for all ages and skill levels through the gallery's Art Academy. Their goal is to provide the community a warm and friendly environment conducive to collaboration and learning about art.
