A native of Buffalo, New York, Berta Burr grew up near the Albright Art Gallery (now the Albright-Knox), which gave her early exposure to modern and contemporary art through its world class collection. Her interest in fine art was further nurtured at home where, as the daughter of an avid amateur artist, art materials were never in short supply.
Establishing a studio in 1967 with her husband Walter, an accomplished harpsichord maker, Burr worked as a harpsichord decorator specializing in 17th and 18th century styles, an exacting discipline which honed her skills as an artist. Work as a gilder and restorer has given her a rare and informed level of craftsmanship.
Since the early 1990s Burr's studio output has been directed toward original paintings in oil energized by her unique eye and training.