Kathryn Damon-Dawson

Kathryn Damon-Dawson lives on the remote side of Siltcoos Lake, Central Coast of Oregon and at her remote cabin in Alaska. She is an owner/member of Backstreet Gallery... a cooperative corporation in Florence. A founding member, she is on the board of directors, is treasurer and active on various committees for the gallery, located at 327 Laurel Street.

"Throughout my life, I have been delightfully awed by the creative spirit that flows through humans and demands to be honored through expression. Wherever I have traveled or lived, from Alaska to Mexico; New York City to Canberra, Australia; the art museums, galleries, local artist exhibitions, and artists' studios have been primary destinations." Kathryn actively supports the art community through participation in local art events such as GALA Art Walk, Florence Festival of the Arts, Rent A Rod. She was the 2006 juror for the Bay Area Art Association show at the Events Center, Florence, Oregon.

Watercolor is Kathryn's primary medium. Education in art has been gathered through art institutes, private lessons, art workshops, self study and art electives in college while earning B.S. and M.S. degrees in Speech Pathology during the '60s and '70s from Kent State, Ohio, and University of Oregon.

She was the first speech pathologist to work in northern British Columbia, Canada. She was the Coordinator of Speech Pathology for the State of Alaska. These positions offered a multitude of adventures such as flying on mail planes to remote villages, her camera and drawing pad in tow. Since retiring with her husband fifteen years ago, the gift of time has allowed her to become a full time artist.

Kathryn is a member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon and is the Chairman for the 2008 WSO Fall Conference which will be in Florence. Her paintings have been accepted into the society's biannual shows and have received awards in juried shows on the Coast of Oregon and in Alaska.