Valerie Berner lives in Rochester, NY. She balances a rigorous painting lifestyle with a daytime career as a psychotherapist.

Berner has been a visual artist since early childhood, but she did not receive formal training in the studio until college. She attended St. Lawrence University from 1998 to 2002, where she double majored in psychology and fine arts, with specialization in painting. She continued her education at Nazareth College of Rochester, earning a master's degree in art therapy in 2004, followed several years later by board certification and licensure as a creative arts therapist.

In 2008 Berner began to show and sell her artwork publicly, and she has since developed a solid exhibition history. She is regularly featured in solo, juried, and group shows. Several retail venues across the state also display her paintings and archival prints year-round.

Berner is not on social media, but she welcomes contact via email (val@valerieberner.com) or by visiting her website at www.valerieberner.com.