Bernard Joseph Steffan studied in Kansas with T. H. Benton and B. Robinson. In addition he studied at the Los Angeles Art Student’s League, the Colorado Springs Art Academy and the New York Art Student’s League. He was a member of the American Artists Congress. His work received medals in the Kansas City Art Institute Mid-Western Exhibition. He was a WPA muralist from 1934 to 1941. He was also a field art instructor for the Department of Agriculture Resettlement Administration and did work for the United States Post Office.