Karlyn Atkinson Berg
Artist Bio
Karlyn Atkinson Berg graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA. Working primarily on clay board, she combines acrylic, oil, hand‑cut paper, and metal leaf to create her mixed‑media paintings.
In 1973, Karlyn traveled from New York City to Minnesota to contribute to the conservation of the Timber Wolf, all while continuing her painting practice. Her artistic expertise supported numerous wildlife projects, and she served as a consultant for the Science Museum of Minnesota in the creation of the Wolves and Humans exhibition. She presented the exhibition’s humanities program nationwide at science museums—including the Natural History Museum in New York City—as well as schools, science centers, Audubon groups, the National Geographic Society, The Explorers Club, Congress, and various television and radio programs.
Karlyn Atkinson Berg worked with live wolves for 27 years and now lives in the north woods of Minnesota, where she paints and trains German Shepherds. The connection between humans, animals, and wilderness is a central theme in her visual art. She explores the complex relationship between humans, wolves, and the natural world as expressed through literature, magic realism, and art, examining the ambivalence that often shapes our interactions with nature. Rather than depicting nature literally, she creates abstract landscapes through shapes, colors, forms, and symbolic imagery. Her work seeks to express the creative and inspirational force of the natural world—an energy that cannot be fully captured through words alone.
ART GRANTS AWARDED
2025 Minnesota State Arts Board, Creative Individuals Grant
2024 Minnesota State Arts Board, Creative Individuals Grant
2023 Minnesota State Arts Board, Creative Individuals Grant
2022 Minnesota State Arts Board, Artist Creative Grant
2021 Minnesota State Arts Board, Artist Creative Assistance Grant
2021-22 Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Established Artist Grant
Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant
2018 Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Career Development Grant
2017 Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Career Development Grant
2018 Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant