Bio

Bernard Martinez is the founder / artistic director of Me Arts! He studied Musical Theater at the prestigious (HBCU) Howard University (Department of Theater Arts) concentrating in Music, Dance, Acting and Directing where he studied with classmate Taraji P. Henson under the Direction of Gifted Mike Malone, Co-Founder of Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Bernard also coordinated Howard University Spring and Homecoming Fashion Shows where he brought in Supermodels Tyra Banks and Jason Olive along with major luxury brands Giorgio Armani and Hugo Boss with autographed books "NAOMI" donated by Supermodel Naomi Campbell. As kids, supported by his loving mother Patricia, Bernard and his sister Wanda were singers for Austin's legend Joe Valentine, they toured all over Texas. When Bernard was a teenager he started his own breakdance company Cosmos Crew who open for the infamous "Harlem Globetrotters" and the legendary D.J. Grandmaster Flash. Also as a teenager he staged and choreographed for the touring Performance Arts Company Road To Fame with the guidance of Gray Hawn who mentored and encouraged him to believe in himself and to never give up.

For the past several years to current Bernard develops enrichment programs, choreographs, coordinates and produces Programs and Events for the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department. He's also a Robotics Instructor at Gardner-Betts Juvenile Probation Department. While also giving his time as a mentor for young men at Travis County Integral Care. Bernard believes in empowering those who are often forgotten.

Bernard has also worked with style icons Outkast, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. His work as a Celebrity Stylist can be seen in videos for Chris Brown, Dave Matthews Band, L'il Wayne, and SuperStars Jennifer Lopez, Serena WIlliams, Mariah Carey, and more; promotional trailer for movie "Wild Hogs" starring John Travolta, William H. Macy and Martin Lawrence to name a few. His television credits include styling commercials for McDonald's and Ameritrade and Fashion Correspondent for Red Carpet Award Shows E!TV Golden Globes, Grammys, Academy Awards, Ellen, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live and others. Bernard started his career in fashion signing with Top Model Agencies, Next Model Management and Wilhelmina Models. Bernard modeled for Luxury Brands, Hugo Boss and Valentino later transitioning onto the Marketing/Sales Team increasing sales.

Bernard's varied experiences have shaped his unique sensibilities and provides a deep knowledge of what it takes to create, market and grow a progressive, cutting edge innovative performing arts program.

While proud of his success in the entertainment and fashion industry, Bernard's first love and life's mission has been his work in arts education in underserved communities. "In diverse communities arts serve as an essential bridge to educate across language and cultural differences. Me Arts mission is to provide the skills communities need to be successful by designing programs which are culturally enriching, stimulate creative expression, build self esteem and improve academic achievement" say Bernard. Guided by this passion, he has always found a way to stay connected to programs and causes that support the artistic development in underserved communities.