In November, the Graci Gallery in Marquette will showcase the work of artist, painter, and printmaker Ronna Katz. Katz recently visited the main studio at Public Radio 90 to discuss her artistic journey with Kurt Hauswirth.
Katz has a diverse and accomplished background, having lived and worked in several different states and fields before committing herself to art full-time. Originally from New York, she graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Nutrition Biochemistry and completed an internship in dietetics, nutrition, and food service management in San Francisco. Her first career saw her working in California and Ohio, including a position at Procter & Gamble. Katz then earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School, which led to work at the Mattel Toy Company. Reflecting on her professional journey, Katz remarked on the transition from business to art as a significant shift in thinking patterns, but one she embraced fully.
In addition to her diverse career path, Katz’s life experiences include biking across America twice, once as a fundraiser for the American Lung Association. This experience, during which she documented her travels through photos and music, had a transformative impact and influenced her decision to pursue art. Katz noted that her career evolution exemplifies the idea that the average American changes careers three times, adding humorously that this might be the only statistic she has ever matched.
Katz is a second-generation artist, raised in a family immersed in art and craft shows. Her parents ran a small cottage business that shaped her upbringing. Katz recalled summers spent assisting with craft shows and household responsibilities, learning valuable lessons about creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurship. One memorable venture involved repurposing broken wooden banks, which she and her brothers sanded, painted, and sold at a higher price, demonstrating ingenuity and a flair for business. This experience later became a college application essay.
Katz described her artistic process and the type of work that will be on display at Graci Gallery. Her art often focuses on abstract themes and aims to evoke emotions such as peace, tranquility, or chaos. Many of her works are part of a series, such as the “Start Something New” series, in which she repurposes old monotypes by painting or printing over them to create fresh perspectives. One notable piece features a subtle face emerging from a previous figurative painting, now incorporated into her current “Ideas Generation” series. This series explores the chaotic process of idea formation, capturing swirling energy and layers of meaning. Audience interpretations often surprise Katz; for instance, one viewer likened a piece to a dragonfly, reflecting how abstract works invite diverse perspectives.
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Ronna about her artistic journey and her Graci Gallery display:
The upcoming exhibition at Graci Gallery primarily features works from Katz’s series, including an oil painting initially created as part of a commission project. Katz shared her unique approach to commissioned art, emphasizing that she does not accept payment upfront and offers clients multiple versions to ensure complete satisfaction. She believes in providing flexibility and avoiding any sense of obligation for her patrons, a practice she admits is uncommon but aligns with her personal values.
As Katz’s work prepares to be showcased in Marquette, it reflects a lifetime of exploration, resilience, and creativity. Visitors can look forward to experiencing pieces that capture both the chaos and beauty of artistic inspiration, rooted in a journey that spans science, business and the boundless world of art.
A reception will be held November 8th, from 6-8 pm at the gallery, and her exhibition runs November 6th - December 1st.
Visit gracigallery.com for more information.
