Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1958, Julie has been living and painting in Indiana, Pennsylvania, since 1991. She works primarily on partially-primed canvas, alternating pouring layers of interior latex wall-paint with acrylic brushwork. Of her creative process, Julie says she "listens to the spirit of the painting" while building depth and drama. Julie is active with the Indiana Art Association, where she served three terms as president. She is an ArtsPath rostered artist in the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Directory of Artists-In-Education, and also teaches abstract painting to art groups, privately, and through the Community University Studies program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Julie's artwork has been purchased by numerous private collectors, including three curators, and is in the collections of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art and the Greater Latrobe School District Special Collection. Her paintings are included in the books A Unique Vision of Art (GLSD Art Conservation Trust, 2008) and Best of Artists & Artisans: Best of Worldwide Oil Artists, Volume I (Kennedy Publishing 2010).
For a more personal, narrative biography, click to My Art Story.
Artist Statement
Before I begin a painting, I look through my journal for a title that's significant to me. It could be a spiritual exercise, a realization, or a dream image. The title may change later, but it provides a meaningful starting point for embarking from blank white canvas into the land of discovery.
Based partly on the title, yet perhaps moreso on my quest to see something new, I bring to the canvas a color combination, proportion, shape, or line that I wish to explore. But from the first drip on, I become a co-worker with the "painting spirit," or what I consider the intention of the materials themselves to become something greater. Naturally I choose what to do, but I also modify what I do to match what feels like a clear and harmonizing vibration in the painting, much like a musician listens closely to the tuning of his instrument.
My process is one of layering conte crayon, latex pours, and acrylic brushwork, all the while looking for breathtaking passages of lush color and texture on which to build depth and drama. Most importantly, as the painting nears completion, I watch for the moment when its resonant spiritual space opens up like a hologram and I see something thrilling come to life that I've never seen before.
Beauty--joy--freedom--ease--surprise--warmth--richness--presence--harmony: these are reasons I paint. May you sense them in the artwork.
Julie Bernstein Engelmann
December 1, 2012
Quotes about Julie's Art
"Julie Bernstein Engelmann combines passages of poured and brushed paint that remind one of stained glass creations. Her technique relies partly on many years of study and partly on an intuitive, creative interaction with what she refers to as the painting spirit. The resulting works are spiritually resonant and ineffably uplifting."
- Barbara Hollander, Site Coordinator,
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art press release for Julie Bernstein Engelmann: Being Spirit retrospective
"I had seen a few of your pieces earlier, as you know, but I hadn't realized how wide-ranging and yet consistent your style is. Of all the things you showed me, I think only one pair of paintings seemed related to one another; yet all were distinctly yours.... Your new paintings are really engaging--a bit like a theatrical production in that they just keep on going once the curtain goes up, so to speak. As an art critic, I think that's one of the major things you bring to the party."
- Dr. V. Scott Dimond, Curator for Visual Arts,
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
"I just can't begin to tell you what seeing your work does to me. I am mesmerized, amazed, in awe at your use of the paint, your wondrous luminous colors. Your work is phenomenal and inspiring."
- Annette Ballow, Artist
Video on Julie's Painting Process
Abstract Painting Spirit
In this video, abstract artist Julie Bernstein Engelmann demonstrates
her creative painting process (acrylic and poured latex)
and discusses the spirit in the paint. 9 minutes.
For a transcription of the spoken parts, click here to watch on a separate page.
Curriculum Vitae
Julie Bernstein Engelmann 1050 Pleasant View Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701
julie(a)julieengelmann.com www.julieengelmann.com
724-357-9149
EDUCATION
M.F.A., Art, Textile/Fiber, University of California, Los Angeles 1989
Merit Award Non-Resident Tuition Fellowship, UCLA 1986-1987
Studied with: James Bassler, Chris Burden, Laddie John Dill, Adrian Saxe, Alexis Smith, Patty Wickman
B.A., Program in the Arts, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, New York 1979
Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Departmental Honors, Dean's Honor List every year
Studied with: Milton Resnick, Andre Racz; Art Criticism: Joseph Masheck, Irving Sandler
University of Texas at Austin 1976-1977
Dean's Honor List, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society
National Merit Scholarship Award Finalist, National Honor Society 1975
EXHIBITIONS / AWARDS, Selected
Blair County Arts Festival Juried Art Exhibition, Penn State Altoona, Pennsylvania May 2013 AWARD: Honorable Mention (Juror: Melissa Kuntz, Clarion University of Pennsylvania)
SOLO: "Being Spirit," Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona, Pennsylvania Jan-Apr 2013
17th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Southwestern PA Council for the Arts,
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania Nov 2012-Feb 2013
Biennial 2012, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Loretto, Pennsylvania Oct 2012-Jan 2013 Juror: Jeanne Gleason, SAMA Trustee Emeritus
Mr. Fred Rogers Fine Arts Regional Juried Exhibition, Latrobe Art Center, Latrobe, Pennsylvania Sep 2012
SOLO: "Lily Pads," The Artists Hand Gallery, Indiana, Pennsylvania Aug 2012
Indiana Art Association 71st Annual Spring Show, IUP University Museum, Indiana, Pennsylvania Jun-Aug 2012 Award: Best of Show, Professional (Judge: Susan Palmisano, IUP Painting Professor)
16th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Southwestern PA Council for the Arts,
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania Nov 2011-Feb 2012 Juror: William Mammarella, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, Lancaster, PA
"Women in Art," Juried (2 pieces), Harlan Gallery, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, Pennsylvania Nov 2011 AWARD: Honorable Mention
Mr. Fred Rogers Fine Arts Regional Juried Exhibition, Latrobe Art Center, Latrobe, Pennsylvania Sep 2011 Juror: Barbara L. Jones, Chief Curator, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA
AWARD: Award of Merit (Judge of Awards: Josienne Piller, Director, University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, PA)
Artists In Our Midst, Art in Common Juried Exhibit, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Aug 2011-Jan 2012 Juror: Jeffrey P. Rouse, New Growth Gallery, New Alexandria, Pennsylvania
AWARD: Honorable Mention
IAA 70th Anniversary Winners Invitational Exhibit, University Museum, Indiana University of
Pennsylvania Jun 2011
97th Annual Exhibition 2010, Allied Artists of America, National Arts Club Galleries, New York, New York Nov 2010 Juror: George Bolge, Director, Boca Raton Museumn of Art, Florida
"Beyond City Limits: Associated Artists of Pittsburgh at IUP," Invitational, University Museum, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Sep-Dec 2010 Curator: Vaughn Clay, Past President of AAP
"Touch Me, Please," Group A, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Sep-Nov 2010 Juror: Eric Shiner, Curator, Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
SOLO: "Coloring Outside the Lines: Abstract Paintings by Julie Bernstein Engelmann," Indiana County Historical Museum, Indiana, Pennsylvania Sep-Nov 2010
"Six AAP Members," Invitational, La Fond Galleries, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania May 2010
14th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Southwestern PA Council for the Arts,
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania Nov 2009-Feb 2010 Juror: Jeffrey Filbert, Adjunct Professor, Rutgers University, New Jersey
Award: Best of Show
"Women in Art," Juried (2 pieces), Harlan Gallery, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, Pennsylvania Nov 2009 Award: Best in Show
Pittsburgh Society of Artists Annual Juried Exhibition (2 pieces), Borelli-Edwards Gallery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Oct 2009 Juror: Joy Borelli, curator and appraiser, Borelli-Edwards Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
Indiana Art Association 68th Annual Spring Show, Indiana County Historical Museum, Indiana, Pennsylvania Jun-Jul 2009 Award: Best of Show, Professional (Judge: Kathryn Galey, Artist, Sarver, Pennsylvania)
"SALIGIA: A Seven Deadly Sins Exhibition," Juried, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania May-Aug 2009 Juror: Steven Mendelson, Mendelson Gallery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
"Group," LaFond Galleries, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Dec 2008
SOLO: "Spiritual Encounters," Gallery Space, Monroeville Public Library, Monroeville, Pennsylvania Oct 2008
Shirley Gaynor 2nd Juried Art Exhibit, Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center Gallery, Community Arts Center of Cambria County, Johnstown, Pennsylvania Jun 2008 Juror: Barbara Kern-Bush, Artist, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania
Award: Shirley Gaynor Highest Achievement Award
Indiana County Open Arts Exhibit 2007, Indiana County Historical Museum, Indiana, Pennsylvania Nov 2007-Jan 2008Award: 1st Place, Oil/Acrylic/Mixed, Professional (Judge: Sue Pollins, artist, Greensburg, Pennsylvania)
SOLO: "Three Points of View," The Saint Vincent Gallery, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania (with Mark Barill and Douglas Wynn) Nov-Dec 2007
Open Juried Annual Art Exhibition (2 pieces), Five County Arts Association, Inc., Palace Theater, Greensburg, Pennsylvania Jul-Aug 2007 Juror: John Bavaro, Edinboro University
Indiana Art Association 66th Annual Spring Show, Indiana County Historical Museum, Indiana, Pennsylvania Jun-Jul 2007 Award: Best of Show, Professional (Judge: Robert Sweeny, IUP)
"Influx..." Invitational Exhibit, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Oakdale, Pennsylvania Jun-Jul 2007
"Big Show," Pittsburgh Society of Artists (PSA), 3rd Street Gallery, Carnegie, Pennsylvania May-Jun 2007 Juror: Steve Mendelson, Mendelson Gallery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Award (one of six equal awards)
Pennsylvania Artists Professional Association (PAPA) Spring Show 2007, AmeriServ Financial Bank, Johnstown, Pennsylvania Apr-May 2007 Award: Best of Show (Judge: William M. Hoffman, Jr., Rutgers University)
Latrobe Art League 51st Open Show, Latrobe Art Center, Latrobe, Pennsylvania Mar-Apr 2007 Award: 1st Place, Professional (Judge: Barry R. Jeter, Artist, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
11th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Southwestern PA Council for the Arts,
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania Dec 2006-Feb 2007 Juror: William Mammarella, formerly Rutgers University
Purchase Award: Greater Latrobe School District Special Collection
Westmoreland Museum of American Art Biennial, Greensburg, Pennsylvania Sep-Oct 2006 Juror: Virginia Mecklenburg, curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC
Indiana Art Association 65th Annual Spring Show, Indiana County Historical Museum, Indiana, Pennsylvania May-Jun 2006 Award: 1st Place, Professional (Judge: Barbara Jo Hollander, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Altoona, Pennsylvania)
Pennsylvania Artists Professional Association (PAPA) Spring Show 2006, AmeriServ Financial Bank, Johnstown, Pennsylvania Apr-May 2006 Award: Best of Show (Judge: Kathleen Kase Burk)
SOLO: "DRY & WET," First Unitarian Universalist Church of Indiana, Pennsylvania Mar-May 2006
Guest Speaker, Greensburg Art Center, Greensburg, Pennsylvania May 2013
ArtPath Artist-in-Residence, Community Guidance Center (K-12), Indiana, Pennsylvania Apr-May 2013
Art Instructor, Community University Studies, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Mar 2009-Apr 2013 6 classes: Abstract Acrylic Painting
Guest Workshop Instructor, East Suburban Artists League, Murrysville, Pennsylvania Apr 2013 Abstract Acrylic Painting
Guest Workshop Instructor, Phoenix Center for the Arts, Phoenix, Arizona Nov 2012 Abstract Acrylic Painting
Workshop Instructor, Indiana Art Association, Indiana, Pennsylvania Aug 2012 Abstract Acrylic Painting, Painted Collage Intensive, and critiques
Guest Artist Demo and Presentation, East Suburban Artists League, Murrysville, Pennsylvania Sep 2012
Guest Workshop Instructor, Community Art Center of Cambria County, Johnstown, Pennsylvania Mar 2012 Abstract Acrylic Painting
ArtPath Artist-in-Residence, Kittanning Care Center, Kittanning, Pennsylvania Jun-Jul 2011 and monthly classes through Apr 2013
Workshop Instructor, Indiana Art Association, Indiana, Pennsylvania Jun 2011 Painted Collage Intensive
Guest Artist Demo and Presentation, Kiski Valley Artist Guild, Vandergrift, Pennsylvania Jun 2011 and Sep 2009
Guest Artist Demo and Presentation, Log House Quilters Guild, Johnstown, Pennsylvania May 2011
Guest Artist Demo and Presentation, Pittsburgh Society of Artists, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Pennsylvania Apr 2010
Art Instructor, School of Continuing Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Sep 2003-Nov 2008 10 classes: Basic Drawing, Drawings with Space, Abstract Acrylic Painting, Landscape Painting, Portrait Drawing
Art Instructor (ages 5-17), Indiana Area Recreation, Indiana, Pennsylvania Jun 2003-Aug 2007 9 classes: Exploring Painting, Drawing the Head, Landscape Painting, Portrait Drawing, Art Creatures
Art Instructor, Indiana Art Association, Indiana, Pennsylvania Mar 2004-May 2008 6 classes: Abstract Painting, Basic Drawing, Studio Time with the Model, Portrait Drawing, Acrylic Landscape Painting
Art Instructor, YES '04 (Youth Experience in Summer, grades K-6), Indiana University of Pennsylvania Jun-Jul 2004 4 classes: Paint a Magic Carpet Ride
Guest Workshop Instructor, Woods Spa Summer Speaker Series, Penn Run, Pennsylvania Aug 2002 Discover the Artist Within
Teaching Associate, Department of Design, University of California Los Angeles 1987-1989 6 classes: Perceptual Drawing, Visual Presentation, Computer Graphic Design Lab
Teaching Assistant in Art (grades 9-12), Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts 1979 2 classes: Studio Art, Painting and Drawing
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Scholarship Judge, Allied Artists of Johnstown, Bottleworks Ethnic Arts Center, Johnstown, Pennsylvania May 2012
Visual Arts Judge, Appalachian Language Educators Society, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Mar 2012
Juror, Allied Artists of Johnstown 2012 Winter Exhibit, Johnstown, Pennsylvania Jan 2012
CD cover art, Earth Heal, by composer Bruce Mitchell, Millenia Studios, Ontario
CD cover art, New Age Goddess, by composer Bruce Mitchell, Millenia Studios, Ontario
Nominated for Best Cover Art, Zone Music Reporter Music Awards 2009
Co-judge, Youth Arts Celebration, Indiana Arts Council, Indiana, Pennsylvania May 2008, May 2009
Judge, New Growth Arts Festival Artist Vendor Awards, Indiana Arts Council, Indiana, Pennsylvania Sep 2006
Authority Analyst, Museum Prototype Data Merge Project, Getty Art History Information Program, Santa Monica, California 1987-1992
Collections Management Assistant, J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, California 1986-1987
Assistant Director, Gayle Weyher Gallery, Salt Lake City, Utah 1985-1986
Assistant Exhibit Coordinator, Salt Lake Art Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 1985
Assistant Director, Pindar Gallery, New York, New York 1984
Textile Colorist, Brewster Finishing and Design, New York, New York 1980-1982
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Gallerie Chiz, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gallery Artist 2011-present
The Artists Hand Gallery, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Gallery Artist 2012-present
ArtsPath Rostered Artist in Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Directory of Artists-In-Education, 2008-present
Indiana Art Association, Indiana, Pennsylvania, President Jun 2005-May 2011 (three terms)
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Member 2007-2011
La Fond Galleries, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gallery Artist 2006-2011
Pittsburgh Society of Artists, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Member 2006-2010
COLLECTIONS
Permanent Collection of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Loretto, Pennsylvania
Permanent Collection of the Community Arts Center of Cambria County, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Permanent Collection of the Monroeville Public Library, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Greater Latrobe School District Special Collection, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Landfillart.org, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Harbor-UCLA Psychiatric Medical Associates, Torrance, California
Management Consultants, Inc., New York, New York
The Small Computer Company, Inc., New York, New York
Coinachan Guest House, Spean Bridge, Scotland
Numerous private collections throughout USA and Canada
ART PUBLICATIONS AND REVIEWS
Central PA Live. Blair County Arts Festival segment (featuring painting, "I May Be All That Exists"). WTAJ-TV10. May 10, 2013
Indiana Arts Council, Arts Ignition, "Artist Inquisition - Julie Bernstein Engelmann." July 2007
DelFavero, Gina, "Inspiration through paint - Indiana artist's work on display in Pittsburgh gallery." Blairsville Dispatch, Features Nov. 17, 2006. p.B1
Lavis, Tom, "Getting Real - Artists association puts talent on display." Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, Arts & entertainment May 7, 2006. p.E1
Engelmann, Chip, "Julie Bernstein Engelmann: Her Journey in Art." Small Town Life Magazine, Dec. 15, 2001. p.30
Before I begin a painting, I look through my journal for a title that's significant to me. It could be a spiritual exercise, a realization, or a dream image. The title may change later, but it provides a meaningful starting point for embarking from blank white canvas into the land of discovery.
