Local artist Bernadette Perry has an eye for what pops.
Whether it’s Pitman’s pastel-colored Grove homes, charming storefronts, the iconic, art deco marquee of the Broadway Theater, she sees it.
If you’ve stopped into the Words Matter bookstore, perused what the latest Craft Fair had to offer, or been active on the Pitman Buy Nothing Facebook group, you’re probably already familiar with Perry’s paintings.
A Pitman resident for nine years and an art teacher for 13, Perry loves her profession, which gives her an excuse to be creative every day.
“However,” she notes, “I didn’t start painting in earnest until the beginning of COVID (in March 2020).”
When her school shut down during quarantine, she was left alone with a troubling realization.
“Like a lot of teachers (and of course, parents), I lost my sense of identity somewhere along the way,” Perry said. “I stopped making art that was just for me, and I accidentally gave up on my dream of being a ‘real’ artist.”
It was during lockdown, on the local Buy Nothing group, that Perry started to get attention as a local artist, offering to paint house portraits for her neighbors – pro bono.
Practicing art for art’s sake was a way for Perry to pass time, spread joy, and hone skills during quarantine. Up to that point, she says, “I used watercolors all the time as a teaching tool in my classroom, but I had never used them as an artist.”
In three years’ time, watercolors have become Perry’s specialty. They feature fine lines, delicate coloring, and attention to detail. And she has moved on from painting for just a few lucky, grateful neighbors, to selling her services and displaying her artwork at local events.
“The people of this town are incredibly supportive of my work,” Perry said with appreciation.
Her first opportunity to sell her art was at the Laurel Market under the Sunset Auditorium, where she was approached by Keryl Hausmann, owner of Words Matter, with an offer to sell them at her bookstore.
“She’s the kind of person who wants to use her success to help others succeed, and it’s an honor to know her and work with her,” Perry said. “Walking into a store and seeing my items on a shelf will never lose its shine for me. It’s the most amazing feeling.”
In turn, Perry’s art gives the store a lovely small-town touch. Whether in the eyes of a proud local or charmed out-of-towner, her paintings perfectly commemorate the picturesque town.
And while Perry is well-known for portraying Pitman landmarks and homes, it was actually her portrait of the iconic Angelo’s Diner in Glassboro which won Best in Show in last year’s Pitman Art Walk.
Aside from capturing the charm of small-town South Jersey, Perry also loves to paint nature. She uses her canvas to take a closer look at the flora and fauna of the Pine Barrens. She is also known to paint animals and pet portraits.
Perry’s current project is a series of paintings of local rooftops done in acrylics. She hopes to show them at her first Art Show. She also aspires to one day write and illustrate a children’s book that she can read to her students.
Over time and through practice, Perry has rejuvenated the artistic identity that she felt, three years ago, she had lost.
“Now, I work on creating something every day that is just for me. That already feels like success, and the fact that people like what I’m creating enough to buy it is amazing and humbling.”
Perry’s art can be seen on display at Words Matter bookstore, on Instagram at @bernadetteperryart, and commissioned on Etsy @BernadettePerryArt.
