Kay, born in Pittsburgh, PA, received her BA at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA. She studied Sumi-e with Motoi Oi and Evalyn Aaron and studied Chinese painting at the School of Chinese Brushwork in New York City with Wang Chi Yaun. Kay continued her study of Chinese painting in Chicago with Monica Liu, Charles Liu, and Guang Xin Qian and has attended workshops with Cheng-Khee Chee, Henry Wo Yue-Kee, Shozo Sato, and Koho Yamamoto. She has also studied watercolor, oil, crafts, portrait painting, silk screen printing, monoprinting, and marbling.
Kay has taken many painting trips including trips to: Japan that included travel and study with Robert E. Wood and another trip to study Japanese crafts; she traveled and studied in China with Dong Kingman; and recently traveled to Taiwan with Ning Yhee.
Kay has extensive experience teaching Japanese ink painting in Chicago area at Adult Education Department of Highland Park High School, Chicago Botanic Garden, Field Museum, New Trier Extension, Japanese American Service Committee, David Adler Cultural Center, Skokie Park District, The Art Center of Highland Park, Winnetka Public Schools ,and Park Ridge Art League. She has also taught workshops at Fernwood in Niles, Michigan, and Peninsula Art School in Wisconsin. Kay has lead demonstrations for many schools art leagues, senior centers, and clubs.
In May 2016 Kay was honored at the Highland Park Art Center Gala. Kay has been associated with the Art Center since she and her family moved to Highland Park from New York in 1972. At TAC Kay began as a student then became a teacher of children’s photography and Japanese painting and crafts. Her interest in Asian arts led to painting and study trips to Japan, China, and Taiwan. She and her late husband served on the TAC Board of Directors for a number of years.
Kay has had one person and group exhibits in Chicago and suburbs, New York City, Long Island, Washington DC, Mobile, Indianapolis, Duluth, and Toronto. She has received prizes and awards in many shows and her work is included in both private and public collections. Kay is member and board member of many art organizations including Sumi-e Society of America, Sumi-e Midwest, and Wilmette Art Guild. Link here to visit Kay’s website.
