REFERENCES

A note from Bernie...


My name is Bernie Rosage Jr... I'm a native of Onslow County. In fact, our family history places my ancestors in Onslow County since the early 1700's. How does an "off the wall" name like Rosage (rhymes with sausage) end up in Onslow County? The U. S. Marine Corps brought my Dad from Pennsylvania to the area in the late 1950's... he met a local girl... they fell in love... got married... and the rest is history! My parents, Bernie Sr. and Maggie, still live here and so does my brother, Mike, and his family. I am passionate about: God's love, my family, my wife, my children, my grandchildren, ART, history, and the BLUES! My wife, Tami (of 25 years), and I live in the Piney Green area with two of our four children, Dylan and Olivia. Our oldest, Lyndsey, also lives in Jacksonville with her husband, Matt, and their three children, Christian, Savannah, and Camden. Our middle daughter, Whitney, and her husband, Peter, live in Wilmington. Below is a photo of our whole gang!

The Rosages', Carters", and Distefanos'.
Peter, Dylan, Whitney, Lyndsey, Camden, Olivia, Bernie, Tami, Christian, Savannah, & Matt.

REFERENCES:

Connie Wenner, Executive Directer of the Council for the Arts

I have known Bernie Rosage for over twenty years, first professionally and then personally. He is a wonderful person, gifted artist, art teacher, instructor, judge, and an active volunteer, as well as a staunch supporter of the Arts, who believes in giving back to our community in ways that are unique and giving of his time and energies. His attention to detail and his vast knowledge of the world of art, techniques and painting styles, let alone his supporting his community is what makes him a wonderful teacher or instructor within the school system.

Over the years, Bernie has worked with art students in the schools sharing his knowledge, techniques and his time without hesitating. He is an active member of the OOPS group that teaches and supports the community in developing their skills and techniques in the surrounding area.

I cannot count the number of times, over the many years, that he has stopped what he has been doing to assist us physically, mentally or in his support in achieving a goal or mission to enhance the Arts in the community or schools. He has been throughout the state emphasizing the value of funds to allow arts to survive within legislative laws and funding. His volunteer hours alone are priceless.

I feel Mr. Rosage would be a wonderful asset to any school system, who is fortunate enough and wise to utilize his vast knowledge and skills. His personality is wonderful for kids with his patience and his personal experience with previous classes and training with children and adults. He has met every challenge and surpassed all expectations.

He has been a trustworthy member on the Board off and on over the years. He would be awesome for any student to come across. A child would have their eyes and imagination opened wide with his vast talents and visions that he would have to offer.

Connie Wenner
Director, Council for the Arts
Jacksonville, NC
www.jaxarts.com

Janae Copeland, Coordinator of Arts Education, Onslow County Schools

"I have known Bernie for several years and he is a wonderful artist and art educator. He has volunteered his time to work with our school art programs for the past 4 years through our All-County Art and Spring Art Display events. He works well with students of all ages and epitomizes what it means to be an encouraging mentor and facilitator. I look forward to my own children learning the art of painting from Bernie and hope he will join the Onslow County Schools team of outstanding art educators in the future. Any child would be fortunate to work with Bernie to develop their artistic abilities."


Janae Copeland,
Coordinator of Arts Education,
Onslow County Schools

Connie Burke, Onslow Art Society

I met Bernie Rosage, Jr. eleven years ago at an art competition and through our mutual interest in the arts, I have come to know him very well. He is probably the most dedicated artist I know and a very fine one. He has had everything to do with getting the local and surrounding area artists working together as OOPS (Onslow Outdoor Painters Society.) His enthusiasm is contagious and the group continues to grow.

He is well qualified to teach, and has generously given of his time to work with students from the local schools alongside some of his OOPS friends. He has also given workshops which were well attended.

He is well schooled in administrative knowledge, having had his own business for several years.    

Bernie is a true gentleman and a dedicated husband and father. I can honestly say that he is one of the nicest persons I know, and if I had a son, I would wish him to have Bernie’s qualities.

Sincerely,

Connie Burke

Onslow Art Society

 

Dean Remington, Remington Photo

 

I have known Bernie Rosage for at least the last ten years or more as a friend first and teacher second. You will not find anyone with more desire and passion for the furtherance of the arts than him. Some of the personal qualities Bernie will be exhibiting in his workshops are patience, kindness and excitement. Patience To guide the student to a point of understanding, no matter what time it takes. Kindness in ensuring you know that you are not being judged, but instead, exhorted to enjoy your accomplishments. Lastly excitement. You will walk away with the excitement that this is something you can do and desire to try even more on your own. Trustworthy and honesty are two more words that have to be acknowledged when talking of Bernie. Steeped in old time values, his word is his bond. He will be where he says he will be and do what he says he will do. When you entrust him with a responsibility he will absolutely accomplish it. You can rest assured that he will be diligent in his duties as a teacher and an overseer of his students in his classes. I highly recommend Bernie not only as a teacher for myself but my family as well.


Dean Remington

Remington Photo

deanremingtonphotographer.com

Pam Taylor. retired educator.

I have known Bernie for over 35 years. We have portraits, photography, and other pieces in our home which were created or inspired by Bernie Rosage. He is  what I would call an absolute artist, one who is not only and artist but a fine teacher a well. His technique, patience and love of people combined with a sense of humor offer reward to any child or adult with a phenomenal “awe” experience in art.  His love of history and N.C.  capture the “summer land” and return us to times past and present.  I think of my Grandma “ Mammy” and her quiet country home in the middle of the woods in White Level NC.  when I study his country barn paintings. This likeness conjures up sounds of her sweet voice telling us to come in after chasing lightning bugs near the barn and under a crown of shady oak trees on a June evening. Art transforms us and transports us to other places, and with that Bernie takes us back to our rich heritage in NC .  He is our Bob Timberlake of the east.  I feel so proud to know him and to recommend him as an art instructor.

Pam Taylor

Patti Reminton, Reminton Photo

Concerning Bernie Rosage - Artist - Teacher

I personally have known Bernie for over 10 years as friend and as an advocate for the Onslow Outdoor Painting Society that he developed and pioneered. Bernie's integrity is above reproach. He is a man of his word. He is so passionate about the creative arts that his enthusiasm is always contagious to those around him. His meekness lends him the advantage as a teacher in that he is both empathetic to the student and a great motivator of the student. His life is a model that  any of us would look up to and want to emulate, but especially young people. His clear teaching approach is refreshing and encourages the student to branch out and to be inquisitive.

Patti Remington

Remington Photo

deanremingtonphotographer.com

Karen Lee Crenshaw, Fine Arts Artist

Bernie Rosage's enthusiasm for art is infectious. Whatever he does, he puts all his effort into it. I knew of and admired his photography before I even met him. As a fellow artist, I admire his art and have purchased it as well. I have taken workshops with Bernie, have seen his presentations about painting to students, and have also shared teaching responsibilities with him for the All County Art workshop for high school students. He is amazing with students, encouraging and inspiring them to do their best and to not be too hard on themselves. Anyone who takes a class from him, no matter what age, no matter what level of prior experience, and no matter having "talent" in art, will come away with a happy experience. I highly recommend Bernie's workshops.

Sincerely,

Karen Lee Crenshaw

Crenshaw Art Studio

www.karenleecrenshaw.com

Fine Art Portraits and Landscapes

Jacksonville, NC