Once Upon A Time!

Polly is a French Canadian by birth; she grew up in Sainte Agathe des Monts, 70 miles north of Montreal, Quebec. Her birth name is Paulette Chalifoux.

As she was growing up with 2 sisters and 2 brothers, her favorite pass-time was coloring and drawing. When she was little, asking her what she wanted as a Christmas present, she would answer: “I want a very large coloring book and more crayons”. Her father died when she was 5 years old. As a little girl she kept very quiet looking around her and dreaming maybe searching? Now she can tell us how she marveled at the delicate shades of flowers, the reflections on the lake and the change of seasons. At a very young age, the “sisters” encouraged her in her artwork seeking her help in the classroom with other children. The parish priest was very found of her telling her mother:”Your daughter may have a calling to be a servant of God, I see her while I preach staring at me listening every word I say.” Well Polly was not starring at the priest; she was mesmerized at all the reflection of the lights on the altar and the precious gold shining millions of colors. Growing up she sold berries during summer time to buy colored pencils, more she could have; happier she was! Her favorite books were picture books and later art history books, she wanted to know how it felt to be a “real artist” admiring the “old masters” work of art. While in school, her drawings and paintings were on exhibit and she won many prizes. It was easy for Polly to get the “sister’s” attention with her quiet and delicate looks; they showed understanding and so much caring.

Polly did not have the chance to get a formal art education when she was young. She was self-taught and produced artwork using color pencils and watercolor. She recalls painting blossoming trees, birds and flowers.

1977 Polly moved from Montreal to New Hampshire. That same year she finally had the opportunity to study watercolor with Martin Ahearn, a renowned artist. The next fall Polly enrolled for an Art Degree at the University of New Hampshire. Her dream was coming true; study art and becoming a “true artist!

Early on Polly was always dedicated to paint in “series” to this day she still does. She falls in love with a subject and becomes completely infatuated with it, like a love story. There were “flowers - covered bridges – barns - light houses – sunsets – ocean scenes – whimsical bugs and more!

1977 to 1997, under the name of Polly Mamone, she participated in exhibitions and outdoor shows all over New England and received many awards. Her paintings are found in private and corporate collections in USA and Canada. She enjoyed teaching art to adults and children in her home and at the Institute of Arts in Nashua. Her work was also featured in Art Galleries. She was living as a “true artist”. Life continues and brings changes and her new name was soon to be Polly Berlin

1997 to 2008 - Polly developed a career in real estate and moved to the Lakes Region of NH. In 2004 started her own real estate company and added the “Art Nook Gallery” featuring local artists artwork along with her paintings. For a few years, many paintings were donated to “Muscular Dystrophy” for fundraisers.

2008- the real estate market is slowing down, time for Polly to “shift gears” and paint again! She now spends winter in Florida, showing her artwork and making new Artist friends…. Polly expresses herself as a romantic painter with the touch of the “old masters” using the medium of oil. Her work is representational and figurative. She is bold in the use of colors and shows her love of nature.

Presently – In Florida, Polly joined art associations, participates in shows and venues. She is the “Show Chairperson” of the Creative Artists of Dunedin. She shares her talent teaching acrylic to a senior group in Dunedin.

In NH she enjoys painting in her art studio and doing “plein air” paintings when weather permits. Her artwork is represented at the “The Artful Eye “ St. Johnsbury Vermont.

Her website is updated weekly with new paintings.....