Name/Title
Cypress GG - Christabel Bergbauer - Blue JayDescription
“I’m just an ordinary soul,” says Christabel Bergbauer modestly. “I’m not that artistic…to have an opportunity to paint now is a wonderful thing. I love it! Patrick (her teacher) is a great guy.”
Born in 1926, Chris and seven siblings grew up in Newfoundland, an island off northeastern Canada. She remembers picking berries and having “lots of boyfriends,” and returns there often. She studied nursing in college and enjoyed her career, following in the footsteps of her mother, sisters, and aunts. “I liked people and could deal with anyone.”
Chris and her husband Harry, a Navy captain whom she met in San Francisco, raised four kids in San Diego. She had a very full life-- shaking hands with Pope Paul in Rome, living in England for seven years and two years in Cape Town, South Africa with her family. “It was very unusual.
I loved every moment of it, and made beautiful friends there.” She collected art from all her travels.
Chris moved back to San Francisco recently to be near her two daughters. Looking back, she says, “I was interested in everything, admired all kinds of artistic things, enjoyed a glass of white wine and fish for dinner, and lots of dancing at family gatherings…”
After art class, Chris and new friend Paula head for the café together.
