Kate spent her childhood in Northern Michigan, where the region’s natural beauty fostered her creativity. Her grandmother, who did pottery, nurtured Kate’s early appreciation for art, which she explored further through an advanced art course in high school. Eventually relocating to Hampton Roads, Kate studied at the Visual Arts Center in Portsmouth. She tried her hand at everything from drawing and painting to glass-blowing, pottery, and sculpture. 

Shortly after the birth of her children, Kate took a brief hiatus from creating. A personal tragedy – the loss of her father – compelled her to pick up a paintbrush once again. Art allowed a grieving Kate to rediscover joy amid pain, as she was awestruck “by the coexistence of beauty and difficulty.” 

It wasn’t long before Kate’s work captured the community. She became known for her watercolor on canvases, mostly abstracted landscapes, shorelines, florals, and deconstructions. Her work exudes serenity through a signature palette of blue and green hues. While she continues to create and operate out of her home, Kate isn’t any stranger to the studio business. She used to own a studio on North Colley, which, like many small businesses, was a casualty of the pandemic. The implications of COVID-19 offered a prime opportunity for Kate and her family to relocate temporarily to Charlottesville, VA, where she continued to draw inspiration from the world around her. Now that she and her family have returned to Norfolk, she shares her talents and knowledge with the community. Her work has been featured at local businesses, such as Gud Yoga and Elation Brewing, and she continues to host classes and workshops out of her home. Suppose you’re looking for your perfect piece but can’t find the right fit. In that case, Kate does commissions – however, scroll any of her social media, and you’ll find a plethora of seascapes, rolling hills, and flowers offering a visual escape.

The Studio is a culmination of Kate’s artistic endeavors. Situated at 1701 Colley Avenue, it sits in the heart of Ghent and will occupy the former Health Food Center. Fixtures and finishes for the space are well underway, and the wall currently boasts a smattering of paint samples – all in Kate’s signature color palette. Due to open on October 22nd, the studio will enable Kate to live out her dream of making art accessible to everyone. She envisions a space for people of all ages and skill levels to explore their lighthearted, creative side. She plans to host various open studio nights, student shows, workshops, classes, and collaborations. Kate recognizes the healing potential of art and sees her responsibility as an artist to help people “reconnect with and explore a part of themselves” that is often lost to the stressors of everyday life. Her studio is a space in which she’ll carry out this mission. The grand opening party, hosted from 12-4 pm on opening day, will include treats, a surprise giveaway, and a glimpse into the future to celebrate what’s to come.

For details on the studio’s grand opening, follow Kate’s Facebook Page

Check out her lookbook if you’re seeking inspiration for some of those blank walls.

Rachel Reiss

Talbot Park, NFK

Rachel Reiss moved to Norfolk in 2021, and, true to her native Floridian roots, has been enjoying life near the beach. Since her day job as an HR Program Manager has gone remote, it offers her the flexibility to explore the area’s rich history, culture, and diverse food scene in her spare time. She is also a passionate pianist, aspiring yogi, and self-proclaimed health nut who loves to cook. Rachel lives near Talbot Park with her husband, Phil - a CHKD resident - and their Maltese, Minnie.

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