With a BS in Ornamental Horticulture and a lifetime of art classes, I was thrilled when I discovered botanical art. Who knew?! I earned the Botanical Art and Illustration certificate from the Morton Arboretum and never looked back.
In 2008, I saw a contest call for some public art. The theme was “Flowers”, the contest was local, and it had a short two week deadline. Perfect! My painting was chosen as a winner which meant I needed an artist statement. A what??? Thankfully, the instructor of the arboretum art class I was taking at the time guided me through the process. Except for minor tweaks, I am still using that same artist statement today.
With strong encouragement from an artist friend, I began exhibiting with the Nature Artists Guild. At first it was very nerve-wracking to put my work “out there” for people to see and judge. However, over time I realized it’s a great way to grow as an artist and I started exhibiting in assorted venues. I’ve even won a few awards along the way!
As my confidence as an artist grew, it seemed natural to begin teaching. I ran a four week basic drawing course at a local library in 2012 and started teaching at the Morton Arboretum in 2015. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others whenever and wherever I can.
It was in trying to find my voice as an artist that I discovered art quilts. The idea of drawing with a power tool was/is very appealing! (Using a sewing machine on fabric.) In quilting terms, it is known as free-motion quilting. I use common quilting techniques to create wall art with fabric. Bonus: I don’t have to matte and frame it!
Many thanks to the Nature Artists Guild for inviting me to be the November 2025 featured artist. I sincerely hope you enjoy all the artwork from so many talented guild members!
Here’s the aforementioned artist statement:
Art should be fun. Fun to make, fun to look at, fun to have around. I like it bright, and bold, and big enough to see. If it is functional too, all the better!
My work reflects my like of pink flamingos and Hawaiian shirts, precision and accuracy, though not necessarily in that order or all at the same time! I want people to smile, or maybe do a double take.
Any finished work is only as good as its initial drawing so I strive for accuracy at the beginning. I want my work to always be the very best I can make it. “Good enough” applies to washing floors, never to art.
Keep learning, keep playing, and make artist friends to encourage and inspire you!
– Kathy Steere
Nature Artists' Guild 
Congratulations Kathy! I know your show is going to be a tremendous success!