In the heart of Shawano County, Wisconsin, a remarkable woman has found a way to bring solace to those mourning the loss of their furry companions. Through her art, she crafts enduring tributes that capture the essence of beloved pets, offering comfort to their owners.
This week, our journey takes us to the quaint town of Pulcifer, where we have the pleasure of meeting an extraordinary pet portrait artist. Amy Bergner, the artist in question, has a unique ability to remember the names of all the pets she’s portrayed, long after the paint has dried. “Jasper, Wallace, Missy, Max, Bullet,” she lists, her finger tracing the outlines of her completed works. Amy’s deep affection for animals shines through her art. “Knowing their names, their breeds, and capturing the spirit in their eyes and expressions is crucial to me,” she explains. “It’s about making you feel their presence.”
From a young age, Amy was aware of her artistic talent, often finding herself sketching horses, unicorns, and beloved cartoon characters. Despite her passion, the path to realizing her gift wasn’t immediately clear. It wasn’t until three years ago, when her son requested a drawing for a tattoo symbolizing strength and endurance, that Amy’s artistic direction became apparent. Drawing a lion accompanied by a Bible verse ignited her passion further, leading her to discover her niche in pet portraits through an online course.
Amy’s venture into the world of pet portraiture began with the launch of her Facebook page, Art by Amy Jo, which quickly attracted requests from pet owners eager to immortalize their companions. Her process involves creating a rough outline from a photo sent by the client, which she then meticulously fills in with details, using chalk pastel pencils, charcoal sticks, and a slice tool to add texture.
Since starting in 2021, Amy has completed portraits of 70 pets, including 50 dogs, 8 horses, a similar number of cats, a cockatiel, and even a pot-bellied pig. Among these was a portrait of Shawano County Sheriff’s K9 Getty, a gesture that deeply touched his handler, Detective Craig Rekoske. “What Amy did was amazing. It allowed us to connect on a personal level, recognizing the nobility of our profession through her art,” Rekoske shares.
The impact of Amy’s work is profound, often evoking tears of joy from those who receive her portraits. “It’s about touching people’s hearts. I joke that I’m good at making people cry, but it’s always in a good way,” Amy says with a laugh. Each portrait requires about 13 hours of dedication, a commitment she balances with her family life and full-time job.
Amy’s passion for her art is evident in her desire to connect personally with her clients, learning about their pets’ personalities and quirks. This personal touch adds a deeper dimension to her portraits, making each one a heartfelt tribute.
Discovering her artistic calling later in life, at the age of 47, Amy views her gift as a humble blessing. “It’s not about self-glorification. I’ve always wanted to do something meaningful with my art, and finding this path has been incredibly fulfilling,” she says with a smile.
Amy Bergner’s journey is a testament to the healing power of art, offering comfort to those grieving the loss of their pets while celebrating the joy they brought into their lives. Through her portraits, she creates lasting memories that capture the love and bond shared between pets and their owners.