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Art Becomes a Way of Life for BVM Educator |
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In seventh grade, Barbara received scholarships to attend classes for three years at the Art Institute of Chicago. Because her high school, St. Mary's, had no art classes, Barbara drew and painted on her own until she entered the BVM congregation in September 1944. After her profession of vows, Barbara studied at Clarke College and took private lessons from BVM James Ann Walsh. For two summers, Barbara studied at Catholic University, and then returned to Clarke College for a BA degree in art. She confides that many additional summers were happily spent at Chicago 's Art Institute. Then Barbara went on to earn her master's degree at the University of Notre Dame in 1962. Barbara's career includes teaching art in Chicago, Iowa and California. She spent 18 years at Dubuque's Wahlert High School. Of those years, Barbara comments: “Wahlert enabled me to experience teaching in a wonderfully equipped art room, and to meet young people who went on to study art in college and graduate school. Many students also used their artistic talents to enrich their own lives and those of their families.” During this time, Barbara also served as Co-director of Art for the Archdiocese of Dubuque by giving art workshops for teachers. In the 1980s, her creativity was engaged as a Regional Representative for BVMs. She served simultaneously as Layout Editor of SALT magazine. Before retiring in New Mexico, Barbara taught art to primary and middle school youngsters at Our Lady of Lourdes in Tujunga, and finally at St. Bernard's Elementary School in Los Angeles.
Art and the Spiritual Life Retirement finds Barbara living in Albuquerque, Living in a place where many artists have found inspiration, e.g., Georgia O'Keeffe, Barbara thrives in the atmosphere of simplicity and spirituality which permeates this part of the Southwest. For several years, Barbara and Sue Wedekind, a BVM Associate, friend and collaborator artist, ministered by giving monthly Art Retreats at the local renewal center. They shared spirituality through creative expressions of prayer, reflection and creative experiences with various art materials, which flowed from their retreat themes. Barbara continues to draw and do watercolor paintings of New Mexico sites. The churches of the area, as well as historical landmarks, are usually the subjects of her watercolors (right). Her annual Christmas angel card delights friends and relatives. Recently for Mary Frances Clarke's 200th birthday celebration, Barbara painted “Coming in from the Fields” (right), depicting our BVM founder in a field harvesting wheat. Barbara remarks, “Kathryn Lawlor, BVM (John Laurian) had once called my attention to a phrase in our history that speaks of the sisters coming in from the fields, and this inspired my painting.” Art Matters Barbara explains that the major influences in her approach to teaching art are basically derived from BVM James Ann, whose philosophy was that young people need a place to share who they are through art—without a lot of criticism, but with positive encouragement. Barbara says, “Sr. James Ann always taught that teachers should compliment students' work first, and then give them ideas for improvement. This has been a part of my teaching throughout my career.” (See p. 14.) Barbara adds, “Other teachers and friends have also given me guidance. At Wahlert, the discussions that I had with Rosemary Coates, BVM (Walter) about encouraging creativity in art and literature also inspired me.” Barbara states, “One of the styles of my painting shows the influence of Lyonel Feininger who is a favorite artist of mine. I have always liked his use of line to break up the space. In my egg tempera painting of the Holy Family (above, left), done as the final piece for my Master of Arts degree, this style is evident. I have also used this kind of line work, an off-shoot of cubism, in the painting of Mother Clarke and the sisters, entitled ‘Coming in from the Fields.'”
Art in Everyday Life Many of Barbara's former students still keep in touch with her. Karen Jackson Ruddy sent Barbara the entire show of her “Madonna and Child” paintings to view over the Internet. Jack McCullough remarks: “While attending Wahlert, Sr. Barbara's guidance when I was trying to decide whether to go to an art school or enter the automotive industry changed the course of my life. I now own a creative design firm and employ 28 people. I feel forever indebted to her because I was a mediocre student; but through her inspiration, I excelled in her classroom, and now creative design is my career.” Jack adds, “Sr. Barbara has the ability to see the potential in her students, and she knows how to nourish that potential. Everyone excelled in her classroom because she let us be ourselves, but we also knew when we had crossed the line!” Barbara's example and ministry continue through the work of former students. For example, Jim Welu, PhD, says: “I am fortunate to have had Sr. Barbara as my high-school art teacher. She was extremely supportive of my passion for art and also very instrumental in my pursuit of higher education. As director of the Worcester Art Museum, I am constantly reminded of how important it is for artists to have such encouragement during their teenage years. “One of the first programs we began when I became director is Art All-State, an art institute designed to encourage high-school artists from across Massachusetts to pursue their interest in art. This spring marks the 20th anniversary of Art All-State, the first program of its kind in the nation. Since it began, over 2800 students have participated in Art All-State, many of them, like myself, now enjoying careers that benefit greatly from a passion for art.” Barbara also fondly recalls her little artists in elementary school. “Little Ericka, a second grade artist, gave me a note that I have always treasured: ‘Your heart has lots of love!'” Barbara adds, “What more could any teacher ask to be remembered for?” About the author: Mary Clare Sweeney, BVM (Clarita) teaches in Phoenix; she can be reached at idmcs@asu.edu. Barbara Cerny, BVM can be contacted at cerwed2@aol.com. Return to Table of Contents. |
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For Barbara Cerny, BVM, art is a way of life! It all began when Barbara was three years old, and her mother saved her first pencil drawing of a person. Barbara has been drawing ever since!
