Katie (b. 1991) grew up in central Indiana. After graduating high school, Katie decided to forgo traditional college education and move to New York City to study academic painting at the Grand Central Atelier.  She has since been the recipient of many awards, including scholarships from the Grand Central Atelier, the Art Renewal Center, and a purchase award from the Indiana State Museum for the permanent collection.  Most notably, Katie was awarded second place and named “Protogenes” in the 2013 GCA Drawing competition and was also the recipient of the 2013-2014 Alma Schapiro Prize. The Alma Schapiro Prize sent her to the American Academy in Rome for three months to study the works of the old masters. Katie extended her stay in Italy,  journeying from Rome to Florence and Naples studying antiquity and the Renaissance intensively for eight months. She now works full time as a professional painter, teaches part time at the Grand Central Atelier, and lives in Queens, NY with her husband, artist Brendan Johnston, and their dog Theo. 

From a very early age, Katie knew she had to become a professional artist. In choosing to become a painter, she has aligned herself with the rich and beautiful history of visual representation that dates back to the beginning of Man. Continuing this history is not a responsibility she takes for granted. It is her highest aspiration to gain a greater understanding of the human spirit and to cultivate joy and wonder through the launguage of oil paint.