About the Artist -

Harvey Bernard and Country Art

Harvey was born and raised in the Chatfield area. He attended a one-room country school, the Bernard Country School District No. 138. His ambition in life was to become a farmer. But unknown to anyone, life was to take a different direction.

In 1946, shortly after finishing a Golden Gloves boxing match, Harvey contracted polio. His next year would be spent at St. Mary’s Hospital with time spent in an iron lung. Harvey lost the use of his left arm and left leg. He had partial use of his right arm and hand. Harvey was one of the first clients of ABC (Ability Building Center of Rochester) and began their silk-screen department. Harvey overcame many challenges in his life especially at a time when there was very little help for people with disabilities. Combining his love of farming and art, Harvey began a family business selling his original artwork and nostalgic farm scenes, called “Country Art”.

In 1981, Harvey moved the Bernard Country School, which was now in dire straits, and restored it to its original state. He then opened the Country Art Gallery.** Every day, Monday through Friday, you could find Harvey in his gallery painting original oil paintings, drawing new pieces of art or just pondering his next idea. Harvey always had time for a visitor to his gallery and loved to share old memories and stories with anyone of any age.

The family business continued over 30 years until the death of Harvey’s beloved wife Doris and Harvey’s own unexpected death six months later in 2009.

Harvey’s love for remembering life in a simpler time remains with us. He will be fondly remembered by so many who were lucky enough to have met him and who have enjoyed his art.

Written by Darla Bernard

Harvey Allen Bernard