Kathy Berenstein, a Jewish artist and member of the JCC Interactive Artist Group, was raised with a great appreciation for art. Her maternal grandfather was an art collector, while her mother Joan Rollick was involved in JCC Denver’s art programming and shows. “I didn’t make art until I was in my thirties,” Kathy explains, after her mother requested Kathy recreate a famous sculpture by Parisian artist Niki de Saint Phalle. “Everyone loved it and wanted one, and that’s when I realized you can’t [legally sell replications of other people’s work.] So, I started to create my own art,” making papier mâché and paintings at the Art Students League, Mizel Museum, and Botanic Gardens.
In the mid-90s, Kathy met art teacher Boris Shoshensky, who she says has been “a constant source of inspiration and guidance ever since, shaping both my technique and artistic philosophy. He sees people’s talent and helps them express it.” Now, Borris leads the Interactive Artist Group that meets weekly at JCC Denver on Tuesdays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, where Kathy is a regular. The group functions as a space for established artists to create art independently while receiving instruction and support.
Yet Kathy’s relationship with the Jewish Community Center (JCC) began far before her classes with Borris. Kathy grew up frequenting the JCC with her family, and then later worked at the JCC (J) throughout her twenties, teaching everything from dance and jazzercise, to fitness, swimming, and yoga classes. “That was a lot of fun,” she reminisces. “I have such a long history at the J. Even when I can’t make it now to Borris’ classes, I always still pay to support the program.”
Bright, bold colors and symbolism are defining elements of Kathy’s work. “I treat my paintings the same as my sculptures,” she explains, using heavy layers of paint and then polyurethane to create a shellac surface. Each piece takes about one full month from conception to completion. Last April, Kathy donated everything she sold at the JCC Art Show back to the organization. She is excited to once again feature her works in the upcoming Art Show this April.
Having worked in many art-related roles over the span of her career, including professional artist, Denver Art Museum docent, and art appraiser, Kathy’s work is inspired by Jewish spaces and themes of community, unity, and peace. “I create my work with passion and joy, reflecting a humanistic point of view. I believe art has the power to connect us all, regardless of our differences.”
Check out her and other artists’ art at the upcoming Art Show this April 24 – May 5.
