Bernice Kochan had a long career working as an artist in Cleveland and collaborated on many national commissions. After becoming a bit of a celebrity in 1969 with major awards, Kochan started her own studio and worked on a mix of jobs, some to pay the rent and some for non-profit organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys making papier-mâché piggy banks.

Kochan shares her artistic interests with two sisters and one brother, her nieces and nephews being ready models for any project.