“I believe that art is something that gives while also being a mystery to solve. It is limitless, intense and fills my mind with purpose. There are numerous reasons why I create. In the beginning, art was an extension of me as I developed my sense of self. Over time, it became a powerful and unique way for me to communicate. It has given me strength and energy to share my thoughts and ideas anyone who is interested in spending time with my work.“

Katie Hawley was raised out west in sunny Arizona and Southern California but moved to Michigan searching for her roots. Since coming to Michigan, Katie studied Child Psychology Development, Graphic Design and Art. Dedicated to her path to become a professional who uses her creative talents to help people, she decided to further her education at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.

Her career began with an assistant publicist position at Dan May Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ. She naturally continued working within the realm of art and design, studying graphic design CCS for many years before changing her major to Fine Art with a concentration in Art Therapy. This is when she began investigation the power of painting, leading her to begin producing large scale collage paintings. It did not taking long before her work was recognized around Michigan, which started with her receiving the Senior Selection Award of Excellence in Fine Art in addition to her work belonging to the CCS fine art collection.

After receiving her BFA and graduating with honors from College for Creative Studies, Katie began to do work within various creative communities of Detroit. She was involved in the Community Arts Partnership sponsored project “The Illuminated Mural” project on the wall of a large building on East Grand Blvd. She also held volunteer positions at various Detroit Publish School programs while simultaneously collaborating with colleagues and friends to establish and run North End Studios, a grassroots artist-run studio project based in Detroit.

Katie continues to collaborate in curatorial events while raising her daughter, working full time and maintaining an active studio practice. While Katie’s work utilizes a number of mediums including conceptual mixed media, collage, found objects, installations, sound, photography, and design, as a studio artist, Katie Hawley is drawn primarily toward large-scale resin pouring and high energy abstract painting. Her large abstract collages resin paintings, and installations give the audience an experience that can be positive, creating good conversations and building a connection with the viewer.

She has exhibited her work consistently throughout Metro Detroit since 2009 as well as maintained representation at Art Space in Birmingham, Michigan. She regularly sells her work to art lovers and collectors and also also donates works to charities such as Plant with a Purpose, in San Diego, Gleaners Food bank, and other nonprofit organizations.