Gail Bergeron was recently announced as the recipient of the prestigious
"Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award", from a pool of many hard working and devoted professors at Athens
State University.
Ms. Bergeron
joined the ASU faculty in 2000, after serving thirteen years in the
art department at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, TN. She
earned a Master of Fine Art degree from The University of Texas at
Austin. She studied at Hebrew University on a Zimmerman Scholarship
and was a participant in The Rotary International Exchange Program
to India. In addition, she has received the Fulbright-Hayes
Scholarship to Guatemala through the Alabama Council for
International Programs.
One of her
sculptures can be seen at The Huntsville Madison County Senior
Center, Miss Baker Walks in the Park. She has recently
completed a life sized- bronze sculpture of a Cherokee family
walking on the Trail of Tears for the city of Pulaski, TN., with
artist and Professor of Art at ASU, Pamela Keller. Gail Bergeron has
shown her paintings in a multitude of galleries and in shows
throughout Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas.
Ms. Bergeron
has worked diligently serving the community of Limestone County,
Alabama, and is passionate about art education for all. She is one
of the founding members of the Art On The Square Arts League in
Athens. She regularly works to combine her AOTS board duties with
hands on educational experiences for the community of children she
meets while working with the organization in Athens. Trisha Black,
who also serves on the Art On The Square Arts League board, states,
"Gail is one of the most devoted and delightful people I have ever
had the pleasure of working with in Athens. She has a heart of gold
and seems to have a never ending source of love for art and for this
community. Athens and ASU are very fortunate to have her."
Originally
from New Orleans, Ms. Bergeron brings the flavor of that city to
Athens and Limestone County. She appreciates the music, food and art
that she learned to love as a child in the historic city and has
carried her love of New Orleans with her throughout her years in
other places. Gail is married to Athens State University Biology
Professor, Dr. Chris Otto. They love Athens State University, the
Elk River, and are proud to claim Limestone County as home.
Gail is
regularly engaging various Limestone County populations in
discussions about art. She is often seen in any number of schools
and community centers meeting with people who have asked her
assistance in seeking connection to various art opportunities. Gail
has donated her artwork to benefit many local charities and
organizations like Hospice of Limestone County and the AOTS Arts
League. On any given day, she might be seen teaching art camps to
area children or offering painting labs to ASU students who have had
to miss their regular classes. Her love of the arts and of education
is evident in the generous way she lives her life and in her service
to others. Gail has been heard to say," I am so fortunate. I am so
blessed. Be bold and open your eyes to the art all around us. The
more you see, the more you will appreciate life." Athens State
University has had the good vision to see Professor Gail Bergeron as
an honored recipient of this prestigious and well deserved award.
