Cathy
L. Reed was born August 1, 1951 in Cherokee, Iowa. Cushing,
Iowa was my home until graduating from Eastwood High School now known as River
Valley School. In 1977 I attended Western Iowa Technical College in Sioux City,
Iowa. I graduated from the Graphic Communication course with honors and have an
associate degree in that course.
I am married to Craig Arthur Reed. We live in Meriden, Iowa. I
have two sons, Jeff Downey, married to Alyssa, one child (Mayserah). They live
in Hutto, Texas. Marc Reed, lives in Iowa City and is attending the University
of Iowa.
I took numerous Adult Education classes in oil and watercolor
through the Area Education Association in Cherokee. I also joined Iowa Artists a
statewide art group. I took summer art courses through this organization that
was taught by Richard Heggen, a professor of art at Iowa State College. I was
first introduced to paper collage at a workshop given by Barb J. Gronstal of
Carroll, Iowa. I have also studied art with many other artists such as Wendell
Mohr, Bettina Perkins, Kay Wall, and Dora Hagge to name a few.
I have exhibited my art at Sanford Museum, Cherokee; Wansink
Gallery, Sheldon; Civic Center Gallery, LeMars and The Sioux City Art Center,
Sioux City (2003 Local Perspective juried show). My artwork is on display at
Arts On Grand in Spencer, Iowa, and McGee Gallery in Peterson, Iowa. I
participated in the 2004 Artisans Road Trip Tour (showing and demonstrating how
I do what I do) showing my work at the Sanford Museum.
I
paint in watercolor, oil, and silk dye. I also do paper collage. My silk dye
paintings are done on scarves, pillows, wall hangings, purses, etc. I make cards
that feature my artwork on the front and sell them at craft shows and privately.
I also do commission work through my home in Meriden, Iowa. I have been teaching
Adult Education Painting for 15 years in Cherokee, Iowa.