Three Generations: The Buerkle Family of Artists

Growing up in the home of Udo and Beth Buerkle Chamcook meant growing up surrounded by art, mostly made by the family or friends. There were paintings by Hermann Buerkle, Udo’s father. Udo made his own oil paintings at an easel built on the wall in a room that was also a pottery studio.  Beth was, and still is, a practicing potter.  She often includes designs inspired by the surrounding Passamaquoddy Bay seashore on her cups, bowls and platters.

This is a family who believed it was better to be making things for themselves than purchasing mass produced items.  The demands for furnishings for their home led Udo to develop his skills as a woodworker and he created a series of beautiful rocking chairs and other household items that were as functional as they were attractive.  Their two daughters, Poppy Balser and Rose Burley have developed their own artistic practice. Rose paints in pastels and acrylics while Poppy is a watercolour painter.

This exhibition will feature pottery by Beth Buerkle, paintings by Hermann Buerkle, Udo Buerkle, Poppy Balser and Rose Burley.