Hi! My name is Bernadette and I am a mom of 3 kids, 3 dogs and have been happily married to my husband Matt for 25 years! My husband and I are both originally from Western Pennsylvania, so when our jobs brought us to Maryland we ultimately picked Lake Linganore to build a house because the area reminds us of home. I have been an artist my entire life. I have a Fine Art Degree and a Masters in Teaching. I have been fortunate to work in a lot of different creative areas like Interior Design, Graphic Design and teaching. No matter where I work, I always find time to create in my home studio. It is a huge part of who I am and what makes me happy.
A couple of years ago, I began painting buildings in Frederick Maryland that I sold at The Muse on Market Street in Downtown Frederick. People started inquiring about custom work and so began a new part of my art business, home portraits. In the past, I have been told custom artwork is not worth doing because of the time commitment for each piece, rather than creating work that you can reproduce with prints to sell. But for me, I find that the joy people get from one of my watercolor home portraits is worth it. It truly brings me joy.
The memories or feeling of hope that someone gets from a painting of a childhood home, or brand new one can fill someone with so much love…and that makes me so happy.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My oldest son Noah is 21, Maddie 20 and Nick is 16. Noah will graduate from Catholic University in the Spring with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. He played football while at Catholic – go Cardinals! Maddie is my entrepreneur and works in fashion. She is much like me – creative, strong willed and determined. Nick is my baby and I love to smother him with all my attention and love since he is my last one. He is passionate about baseball and plans to play in college after he graduates from Oakdale in 2024! My husband is the ying to my yang. When they say opposites attract – we are the classic example. He is my biggest fan.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I started teaching art at the high school level 10 years ago. I find the connections that I make with my students are so rewarding. I hope that I open new experiences for them through our art projects.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My husband and I built our house 23 years ago and have never moved! We have seen many new homes and developments arise in our time here.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
AnnMarie Farran. She is an amazing interior designer that I was lucky to work with for a few years. She can look at a space and immediately envision how to make it beautiful. She is extremely intelligent as well as unbelievable creative. She inspired me as an artist.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind. It matters! Little acts of kindness make the world a better place.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel to Europe. I am afraid of flying so I’m not a huge traveler if I can’t drive.. but this is something I must do!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that there are so many people here, but it still feels like small town living. It is easy to meet people and there are so many kind people.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Working as an artist.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a do-it yourself-er. When we remodeled our house, I designed and drew the plans for the builders. I can install ceramic tile, hardwood floors and moulding. I wish I was a professional renovator!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Vermont
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October/Christmas/last day of school before summer break!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Any day at home with nowhere to go.
Q: What person, event or experience has made the greatest impact or inspiration in your life?
I was a living liver donor for my aunt. She was a huge part of my childhood. Like a second mother to me and my sister, we are who we are today because of her strength, faith and endless love for us. I was pretty scared, but my faith, family and friends filled me with strength and both surgeries were successful. My aunt gets to enjoy her grandchildren every day and I would do it again in a heartbeat..
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
My college roommates…pizza in our college house. I miss them and don’t see them often!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, warmth, peace
