Katie opens an art gallery. And she rocks her extra chromosome.

My son, Davey loves to color and draw.  He spends hours with his boxes of crayons, pens, pencils, pads, and color books.  He creates so many beautiful, fantastic designs.  I would love Davey to have the opportunity to exhibit his work at a gallery.  It would give him such pride.  We love framing it and putting it up at our home.

Read on to learn about Katie, her new store, art gallery and how she
rocks her extra chromosome.

Emerging Artists put dreams in action

• JEANNIE FERRARA
• Posted July 10, 2012 at 1:45 p.m., updated July 10, 2012 at 1:45 p.m.
• 
  

RUTH HENDERSON

Kate Henderson

FORT PIERCE — On Thursday, July 5, clients, volunteers, and staff from Indian River Counties’ Sun Up Abilities Resource Center (ARC) toured the Emerging Artist Exhibit and galleries of Art Mundo Center for Creative Expression, 111 Orange Ave., Fort Pierce.

As a Visionary School of the Arts (VSA) teaching artist, Anita Prentice directed the tour where people with disabilities had the opportunity to learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. A special feature of the tour included a presentation by Katie Henderson.

Living with Down Syndrome has never stopped Henderson, an emerging artist, from achieving her dreams.

Henderson and her mentor, Anita Prentice, shared how Henderson achieved her dream to have her own business and open her studio with guests from Sun Up ARC (www.arcir.org). ARC provides support and services to persons with disabilities, enabling individuals to lead self-determined lives.

Henderson inspired the group to find their dream and make it happen. Henderson's love for fashion spurred her to teach herself how to draw. Making good use of fashion design sketchbooks, Henderson originally traced illustrations of posing models. She now creates freehand images of her “ladies.”

Henderson’s medium is professional artist markers and colored pencils. She is experimenting with watercolors, acrylics, and pastels while studying with Lynne Barletta at the Visionary School of the Arts in Stuart.

Henderson opened her business, Miss Katie's Kreations (www.misskatieskreations.com) in September 2011. Miss Katie's Kreations offers unique gifts created from Henderson’s original artwork. From wearable art, to note cards, you will escape from the ordinary with her custom designed gifts for yourself, family, and friends.

In February 2012, Henderson held her first gallery show at Osceola 32 in Stuart. Her work is currently on exhibit at the Lighthouse Art Gallery in Tequesta, FL as well as Art Mundo Center for Creative Expression in Ft. Pierce, FL. Henderson has had several original drawings purchased by private collectors in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas.

Her works have been exhibited in several juried fine arts shows. Café Katie Gallery (Henderson’s own studio) will hold its grand opening on July 11, in Art Mundo Loft, Studio #308 in downtown Fort Pierce.

This will coincide with the opening reception of the Emerging Artist Exhibit in Art Mundo Center for Creative Expression. Henderson is one of the five artists participating in this exhibit.

Henderson uses her art to encourage and inspire individuals with disabilities to achieve their dreams. She donates a percentage of her sales as well as original artwork and giclée prints to charitable causes. Henderson is currently raising funds through raffles and sales to support officers/board members of the Treasure Coast Down Syndrome Awareness Group to attend to attend the national Stand Up for Independence Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

This story is contributed by a member of the Treasure Coast community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TCPalm.com

Be gentle.