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, Katie’s 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 mind’s 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 year’s stay. The heat and hurricane’s 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 Dad’s 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! Here are two pictures of Dylan

Dylan helps in many ways, she picks things up that have been dropped on the floor, turns lights on and off, pulls Katie’s wheelchair, is there to protect and defend when Katie feels threatened. One of the best ways Dylan has added to Katie’s 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 doesn’t 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.