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About Katie

Since graduation, Katie continues to excel in her chosen profession. She not only receives awards in competition with other artists with disabilities but she also has succeeded in other juried art competitions. Her art continues to achieve commercial acceptance and hangs in the homes of many throughout the United States and England."

Katie's Biography

"When Katie was a child, the thought of becoming an artist never entered her mind. In November of 1982, Katie suffered a brain-stem stroke that left her paralyzed and mute. She was 15. After years of work, Katie regained control of her left hand and arm. While engaged in physical therapy, on the recommendations of the therapist, Katie tried art to strengthen her fine hand motions. The hospital staff and visitors critically acclaimed her earliest efforts. Further success in Georgia Artists with Disabilities competition reinforced her desire and confirmed her talents. In response to the successes of her peers, Katie pursued a degree in Studio Art and a minor in Psychology. Overcoming all obstacles, graduated with honors from Kennesaw State University.

During the pursuit of her art degree, Katies talents continued to be affirmed by her peers as well as the faculty. Her art received recognition in student publications and was selected to represent the works of the University as gifts to various consortia.

Since graduation, Katie continues to excel in her chosen profession. She not only receives awards in competition with other artists with disabilities but she also has succeeded in other juried art competitions. Her art continues to achieve commercial acceptance and hangs in the homes of many throughout the United States and England.

Katie begins her art works with no preconceived idea. She prefers the freedom of her minds imagination and her instruments whether fingers, brushes, or whatever, for creative guidance. She lets the image grow as characteristics develop. Abstracts are the primary art results but realism as expressed in her mind can be transposed to the paper to represent other perspectives. Her compositions have become a communicative link to an outside world that views only her silence. The work continues by her personal selection of the framing materials so that when the art piece is finally presented it is a complete achievement of her work.

In addition to her achievements as an artist, Katie eagerly serves as an ambassador for talented people with disabilities. Her service work in schools has fostered the proper recognition of talent and persistence to overcome physical obstacles. Through these efforts not only has she touched the young minds of tomorrow but those of the adults involved as well."

Jack Smith

In 2003 Katie moved to Florida. To get a taste of how it would feel to live there permanently but it turned out to be only a years stay. The heat and hurricanes chased her to where she now resides, Fairfield Glade Tennessee. Here her indepence grew when she built an apartment of her own which is attached to her Mom and Dads home. To aid her in living alone she applied for the aid of Canine Assistants in Atlanta Georgia (www.canineassistants.org). Canine Assistants is a non-profit organization, founded in 1991, which trains and provides service dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities or other special needs. In addition to physically assisting those with disabilities, Canine Assistants service dogs are instrumental in removing many of the barriers faced by the disabled in today's society.

With their help, the Canine Assistant Dylan joined the Smith family. Dylan is a 48 pound princess to tell the truth but she is quietly referred to as a dog. She is a mixture of black Labrador and golden Retriever and as smart as a whip!

Dylan helps in many ways, she picks things up that have been dropped on the floor, turns lights on and off, pulls Katies wheelchair, is there to protect and defend when Katie feels threatened. One of the best ways Dylan has added to Katies life is just by being a special part of it, unconditionally a best friend.. Katie and Dylan continue to grow stronger by the day. Dylan doesnt help in the art area, Katie has that one covered but in many other ways she continues to add just what Katie needs in her life.

Awards

VSA Arts of Georgia — Arts for All Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia

Selected for exhibition featuring 10 artists in the State of Georgia Capitol November January 7, 2000

First Anniversary Exhibition Featuring 13 Artists May 10 June 25, 1999

Two woman exhibit: A Matter of Perception Early Spring 1999

Selected for Gallery Opening 1998 Healey Building, Atlanta, Georgia

Selected for show held at the office of the Governor in the State of Georgia Capitol 1997

Callanwolde Art Exhibition, Atlanta, Georgia

Fall 1997 2nd Place

Spring 1998 2nd Place

Dawson County Arts Council, Inc., Dawsonville, Georgia

Home for the Holidays Exhibition Fall 1998, 1999 and 2000

Tour of Studios Fall 1998, 1999 and 2000

May Day Festival of the Arts 1997

Etowah Art Gallery, Cartersville, Georgia

1st Annual Southeast Regional Competition 2nd Place 1998

Georgia Artists with DisAbilities, Atlanta, Georgia

Best of Show 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000

Distinguished Merit Award 1990, 1993 through 2000

Honorable Mention 1991

Selected for Touring Exhibition 1990 through 2000

Main Street Custom Framing and Gallery, Alpharetta, Georgia

One Woman Exhibit: "Pastel and Acrylic Paintings of Katie Smith" ,October 2 November 30, 1999

Two woman exhibit: "Art by Katie Smith and Carol Jean Wheeler", October 20- December 22, 2001

Southeastern Pastel Society, Atlanta, Georgia

"The Joy of Pastels: Riding the Renaissance courtesy of SPS

Juried Corporate Exhibition BellSouth Center, Atlanta March 9 May 19, 2000

Juried Exhibition of Members 1999

Sixth Annual International Open Exhibition Honorable Mention Fall 1994

Commissions:

Pavarotis Restaurant Roswell Georgia --- opening Summer 2000 --- Signature Art Menu

Statewide Independent Council, Atlanta, Georgia, Art piece presented to Governor Roy E. Barnes for Unlock The Waiting List Campaign March 7, 2000