Valerie Berner Art Exhibit

graphic design by Beth Brown

When not working as a full-time art therapist helping local youth and families at one of Hillside’s Family of Agencies, Rochester artist Valerie Berner spends much of her free time creating her own artwork.  She finds her inspiration in nature and expresses her artistic talents in the form of acrylic paintings on paper.  Her current body of work can be seen at her solo art exhibit “Sunrise to Moonset” at Starry Nites Café.

"A Bridge for Li Po" acrylic on paper

Berner’s graphic painted designs often depict either a single sphere, or multiple globes, set in a bold landscape of colorful skies, mountains, water, trees, and flowers.  These orbs can be interpreted as rising suns and descending moons, or vice versa.  Her palette of bright blue, green, purple, red, orange, and yellow paint gives the simple shapes a pleasing visual impact.  Her completed works are professionally matted and framed under glass, adding a finished gloss to her painted paper.  Sizes and prices vary for the artist’s original paintings and giclee prints.

"Gumball Trees" acrylic and ink on paper

Having created art throughout her childhood, Berner focused on painting in college.  She studied psychology and fine arts at St. Lawrence University, ultimately achieving a master’s degree in art therapy from Nazareth College.  Valerie utilizes the healing power of expressive arts on a daily basis through her employment as a licensed creative arts therapist.

“Sunrise to Moonset” is hosted by the Shoe Factory Art Co-op and can be seen at Starry Nites Café from August 5th through September 28th.  Show extended through November 2nd. An artist’s reception will be held at the cafe on Friday, August 16^th from 6-8pm.  Admission is free and artwork is available for purchase.  

Valerie Berner in her studio

Starry Nites Café is located in the unique Flat Iron Building at 696 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14607.  Café patrons can enjoy specialty drinks, gourmet coffees, beer and wine, homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts.  Open daily and nightly.  Call (585) 271-2630 for hours or visit www.starrynitescafe.com .  

"Their View" acrylic on paper

"Days Getting Longer" acrylic on paper

Artists who would like to display their work at Starry Nites may apply through the Shoe Factory Art Co-op’s website www.shoefactoryarts.com/CallforArtists.html.  

To view more artwork by local artists, visit the Shoe Factory Art Co-op’s gallery at 250 N. Goodman St., Studio 212, Rochester, NY 14607. 

"Lone Tree" acrylic and ink on paper

"New Waves" acrylic on paper

Valerie Berner art opening at Starry Nites Cafe August 2013