Kathleen (Katy) Elizabeth Morris November 10, 1951 /December 10, 2022
Kathleen (Katy) Morris passed away peacefully in Calgary, AB on December 10, 2022 at the age of 71 years.
Katy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1951. She is predeceased by her father Ronald William Morris and her mother Violet (Crow) Morris. Katy is survived by her sisters-Val (Owen) Cullingham and Sheila (Shaun) Reddington and her nephews-Michael (Carol), Nicholas (Andrea) and Christopher (Melanie) and her great nephews and great niece. She will be mourned by her good friend, Patricia Seifert (travelling buddy, photographer and explorer of all roads less taken).
Katy graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.A. in Anthropology/Archeology in 1972 and in 1976 graduated with a diploma in Education from the University of Calgary. She attended several art classes, watercolour workshops, private lessons and Basic Design at ACA, Alberta College of Art. She was extensively self-educated in all art genre and shared that knowledge with her students.
She exhibited with The Calgary Artists Society (1984) and The Federation of Canadian Artists. Her paintings could be found in galleries in Calgary (Centennial Art Gallery) and Edmonton. She is in private collections in England, Scotland, Spain, Indonesia, Australia and in New York, as well as, Winnipeg, Victoria and Calgary.
Katy started drawing and painting at a young age and was always learning about her craft. She explored several mediums including oil, pastel, pen and ink, acrylic and watercolour. She developed new techniques for watercolour (her favourite medium) and would then utilize these ideas into acrylics and oils. Although she preferred painting in a traditional style to achieve a realistic approach to what she saw, she experimented with collage with many different materials and used different papers such as washi (Japanese hand made paper).
From the mid 1980’s, until her health would not allow her to keep teaching, she taught at Parkdale Nifty 50’s , Kerby Centre, Calgary Public Libraries, and several small local towns in Alberta, coming to Vulcan 2 years ago.
The warmth of her personality and kindness was felt by the many people she interacted with. She was generous with her knowledge (and materials) especially to the people in her art classes.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Holy Spirit Parish, 10827 – 24 St. SW, Calgary, on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 11 am.
Katy enjoyed High Tea at Butchart Gardens with Pat when they gallivanted off to the West Coast on one of their many adventures. To celebrate her memory, there will be a High Tea for Katy at Parkdale Nifty 50’s (3512-5 Ave. NW Calgary) on May 25, 2023, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. All her students and many friends are welcome!
Donations in Katy’s memory can be made to the Colour On Fire Art Studio & School, Strathcona Community Association, 277 Strathcona Dr SW, Calgary, AB, T3H 2A4, info@colouronfireartstudio.com Or any kids art class group of your choice.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca, We Remember.
Katy was one of the first people I met when I joined the Calgary Artist’s Society.
She was always sweet and welcoming and I will miss her. She asked me if I taught art and suggested I teach at the Kerby Center. Katy was teaching watercolour and I taught acrylics. I enjoyed teaching there for several years.
I painted on location a few times with Katy and I was impressed at the high level watercolour paintings she produced through wind, changing light and annoying insects. Not an easy thing to do.
The CAS won’t be the same withour Katy.
Years ago I was treasurer for a couple of art groups and the local chapter of the specification writers association. When I ran into difficulties I ran to Katy, who generously contributed time from her busy schedule to help me out. Katy also clued me in to the possibility of painting watercolours in sub-freezing conditions using gin or vodka as a solvent (pure alcohol does not dissolve the watercolour gum). Katy was always full of fun and good cheer, and we shall miss her presence at our art society events.