Biographies > Berdina Beaven
In the NOAA anniversary publication, friends described Berdina Beaven’s work as ‘reflecting an inner peaceful joy’. They also said her art portrays her personality, her lifestyle, surroundings and spirituality. Her two pieces in the TAG collection, the drawing, Heritage Homestead and the acrylic painting, Galena Garage are examples of the warmth and feeling she gets with light and form. A deep and lasting interest in art began in Berdina’s school days. She says that one summer, her grade five teacher, Mrs. Champion, introduced her to the wonderful world of colour through oil paints. Berdina appreciates the opportunity provided by the many artists’ workshops offered in the region which allowed her to pursue her art while raising a large family and pursuing a career in teaching with Temiskaming and Kirkland Lake Boards of Education. Among other work, Berdina co-ordinated the Junior School of Arts for Northern Ontario at Northern College for several years. She also volunteers her artistic talent for the local community including creating stage sets, costumes and posters.
Berdina’s work has been chosen for many juried shows including the NOAA and she has received several awards including the Inco and Edna Hoskings awards for NOAA and she received her NOAA letters in 1998. Berdina resides in Charlton, Ontario.
She says, ‘I enjoy the simple things, such as the beauty and peacefulness of the north’.i
Being an artist in northern Ontario. Living here has provided me with endless appreciation of our countryside, people and lifestyle and has been an inspiration for beauty in many simple subject matters.
i For further details see D. Green, A Portrait. 50 years in the making, A History of the Northern Ontario Art Association, 2009
