A Life Illuminated by Art: Kay Hurley ’74 Paints a Pathway of Life Connections

This passion was nurtured at Notre Dame Academy, where she excelled in art, a path that naturally led her to the Mount. Here, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, inspired by fellow art students and the encouragement of former professors John Nartker, Sister Augusta, and Connie McClure.

"My family has specialized in liturgical arts for generations, so I was surrounded with beautiful art and artifacts my whole life," says Kay. "I knew in grade school that I had above average talent in art and concentrated in Fine Art at Notre Dame Academy (NDA). Several fellow art students from NDA were going to college at Mount St. Joseph to pursue their art studies. Fortunately, I jumped on the bandwagon."

Post-graduation, Kay's journey took her to St. Louis, Missouri, before returning to Cincinnati. A pivotal moment arrived when she secured a position in a Hyde Park frame shop. This role honed her business acumen, deepened her artistic knowledge, and transformed her into the shop's "artist-in-residence." Thirteen years later, she ventured into interior design with a friend, further refining her aesthetic sensibilities.

Kay's life took another artistic turn when she discovered the Pendleton Art Center. This vibrant community of artists became her creative haven as she immersed herself in learning, teaching, and exhibiting her work. Mentorship from renowned colorist Wolf Kahn was a transformative experience, propelling her career forward.

"I fell in love with the place and knew I had to be there," she says. "I've been there for 32 years now. I've had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of artists and study with some famous ones that have changed my life: One being international colorist Wolf Kahn."

Simultaneously, her landscape paintings gained recognition, leading to representation in galleries nationwide and features in art magazines. A profound artistic and spiritual connection with Cuban artists through an ongoing cultural art exchange has enriched Kay's life immensely as well.

"I love the beauty of nature so much and am inspired everyday to paint it," Kay expresses. "This is my passion and my soul. My other passion is to connect people together through the love of art. This energy fuels me which is why I cherish teaching, traveling, attending art openings, am involved in arts organizations and open my studio on Final Friday [at Pendleton Art Center]."

Kay adds, "I love the challenge of doing commissions for clients: creating a beautiful landscape that really means something to them and will be treasured for a long time. It is a very interactive experience between the client and me."

Blank Canvases to Masterpieces

Her passion for nature and a desire to connect people through art fuel Kay's daily endeavors. Teaching, whether high school students through the Taft Museum's Artist Reaching Classrooms program or adults in her studio, is a source of immense joy to Light the Way for a community of developing artists.

These young students get to learn about art history at the museum, work with living professional artists, and create work to be exhibited at a gallery and win awards at the end of the school year. This comprehensive program has sparked the desire and confidence in many young students as future artists.

"Some have had no experience in art making and come to me with a lot of fear and self-doubt," Kay reflects. "I have been able to start these brave adults on their path of painting and drawing by teaching them the principles of art and giving them the tools they need as they go. Many have been with me for several years, now have their own studios and are close friends. Art has changed their lives."

Many of her mentees wish to pursue art as their career, and while living as an artist has its unique challenges, Kay aims to pass on her 50 years of experience of art-making and life with honesty and transparency. In return, Kay notes that her students teach her a lot about problem solving in art, life, marketing and technology. "It takes a village," she adds.

Among the countless inspiring moments Kay has shared with her students, one particular story stands out. Over ten years ago, Kay was teaching an adult pastel landscape class at the Baker Hunt Foundation in Covington, Kentucky, and many of the students had never picked up a pastel before. One of those students was a woman who was a very successful teacher at NKU. She fell in love with the medium of pastel and has never looked back.

"She has been a student of mine for ten plus years," Kay says. "She has developed her own style in landscape painting and now specializes in pet portraits including zoo animals. She has her zoo portraits in the Cincinnati Zoo Shop. She has become a dear friend and now shares my studio with me. This has changed her life forever."

Mentors and Masters: A Tapestry of Inspiration

During her time at the Mount, Kay credits John Nartker, Sister Augusta, and Connie McClure who had a huge influence on her work. Mr. Nartker was a kind and encouraging teacher of various mediums, and Sr. Augusta and Connie McClure were fierce examples of women artists braving the art world. "They were my role models and my memories of them still guide me as I try to inspire others and pass on the creative torch," Kay adds. Renowned colorist, Wolf Kahn was also a pivotal person in her life-a teacher and mentor for several years.

"This association with him helped my career immensely. I have been blessed to have many inspiring creative people in my life and collectors who keep the fires burning."

Overall, Kay's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and a lifelong dedication to art. Her story is one of inspiration, shared creativity, and the enduring beauty of the human spirit.

Interested in Creative Arts at the Mount?

The Department of Creative Arts offers majors in Art Education, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Music, and Music Education. Minors are offered in Art, Art History, Graphic Design, Music, and Photography. These advanced programs of study offer many opportunities for customization and specialization.

To explore program outcomes, courses, and career potential in the Mount's creative academic majors and minors, visit our Department of Creative Arts - Art & Design page here!