I, Kathleen Bowes, am a native of Long Island, New York. My parents now reside in Gainesville, FL and my two engineer brothers, John and Christopher, also live in the south. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Marywood University in Scranton, PA, I worked in Manhattan for many years as a marketer and graphic designer for several large companies, including Penguin Book Publishing. I took a small hiatus from NYC to teach graphic design back at Marywood University and then returned to the city, where I joined the Niall O’Leary Irish Dance Troupe and had the privilege of touring Japan as a professional Irish Dancer.

After 9/11 happened, I decided to slow down a little and gave Florida a try. During my time in Florida I was Creative Director for a print/design shop, traveled a lot while designing for a Travel Company and did some professional photography as well as mural painting. After that I helped financial advisors all over the country improve their branding through a company located in the retirement capital that many of you know as The Villages. Slowly, I made my way back up north when I decided I was totally over the heat, humidity and flat hiking.

On my way back up north I made a pit stop and solo hiked the AT from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire. Following this, I taught design and art/painting classes to children and adults in Honesdale and won several GDA(Graphic Design USA) awards while working for Pride Mobility in Exeter, PA.

Those of you who have known me from the cafe may have heard me mention cousins and friends coming to visit me at the lodge. Family and close friends are most important to me. I come from a large family with endless cousins, second cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew, etc. I truly believe in the “Ubuntu” philosophy, which originated in Africa. I am, because we are. We’re all connected. Everything we do effects other people. We’re here to look out for each other. We all deserve compassion, respect and dignity. I enjoy connecting and sharing with people through art. I hope StudioWalk™ becomes a happy place for like-minded people to connect and express their true spirit! StudioWalk™ is a judgement free zone and all are welcome.