Artwork copyright Betz Bernhard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Betz Bernhard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Betz Bernhard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Betz Bernhard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

Harlequin Dog, 1989

Betz Bernhard
American (born 1952)

Location: Silver Ridge Elementary, Silverdale

About the Artwork

Artist Betz Bernhard created the ceramic sculpture Harlequin Dog using a plaster mold to cast the clay. She then painted the form using acrylics. It is part of a series of dog sculptures inspired by her dog, Luna. She notes, “I think of the ceramic form as a canvas approaching it in a painterly manner. I love patterns and bright colors and believe my work is happy and intellectually accessible. Primitive art, naive art and folk art have been major influences for me.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Central Kitsap School District.

About the Artist

Washington artist Betz Bernhard creates whimsical textile collages, ceramics, and mixed media sculptures. She grew up in New York, and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Kansas City Art Institute. She received her Master in Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle.