Cathy Rowe
Artist in Residence
Cathy is an artist, illustrator , and muralist whose work transforms everyday spaces into shared creative experiences. Through more than 40 public murals across Oregon and California, she explores how art can serve as a catalyst for connection—inviting communities to see themselves reflected in the places they inhabit.
Her large-scale works can be found in cities, universities, and schools including Oregon City, OR; California State University, Sacramento; Rancho Cordova, CA; Wilsonville, OR; and Gladstone, OR. Each project is rooted in collaboration and shaped by the stories of the people who live and learn nearby. For Cathy, the process is as meaningful as the finished piece: art becomes a gathering point, a conversation starter, and a shared act of belonging.
As an illustrator, she extends this philosophy into children’s books, coloring books, and paint-by-numbers kits designed to remove the intimidation of the blank page and reawaken creative confidence in kids—and kids at heart. Inspired by nature, gardening, and fiber arts, her work weaves texture, pattern, and organic forms into visual narratives that celebrate both individuality and community.
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