Biography

Katie was born in Van Nuys, California.  By the age of three, she was already releasing her creative spirit through 'song writing'.  A few years later, she was creating her own art books and conducting art workshops with friends.  She explored her free-style expressions through competing in dance and gymnastics events, studying in art classes and performing in high school musical productions.  By the age of sixteen, she was teaching art in a local fine arts studio.  After high school, she took a break from teaching to further develop her artistic skills.  She enrolled in the art department at California Lutheran University.  Her first artist exhibition was a month-long show held on the University's campus in the Preus-Brandt Forum.  It was graded as her final exam.  She finished her Senior year on the Dean's Honor List and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art with a minor in Psychology.  After graduation, she expanded her artistic abilities through a different field of art as a portrait photographer. 

Katie was inspired to explore ways to connect her love for animals and passion for the arts.  She has been in business for herself since 2003, creating pet and animal portraits as well as producing continuous commissioned works and exhibiting her work in various Southern California locations.  Although she finds this aspect of her career to be very gratifying, after many years she continues to find that her present role as an art teacher is the most rewarding.   She was amazed to discover so many options in the professional arts field.  It has become more than a creative expression and emotional outlet.  "For me, it is a most gratifying and ever-expanding career."