Katrina did her first painting when she was 7 years old on her grandparents’ dairy farm in northern Wisconsin. Members of her family were all   doctors, pharmacists, and nurses and she was always encouraged to choose something practical for her career, something guaranteed to provide an income. But even at a young age she was stubborn.

She graduated Cum Laude from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, in 2005 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts, emphasis in painting. She then worked mainly as a residential mural artist until things started to get tough and she finally decided she had better get what many called a “real” job. She went back to school and earned an Associates of Applied Science degree in radiography. She began working as a teacher at the local community  college, teaching anatomy and physiology. Katrina often used her art skills in the class room, including drawing anatomy study guides for her students. Art was her joy even as she settled down to do what “normal” people do, but she didn’t give up on her dream of being a professional artist.

Katrina is now back to painting full time. She was a guest artist at BDAC in Bismarck in 2020. Had a two month residency at Prairie Village Museum in Rugby, ND in 2019. She was an artist at ArtPrize 2014 in Grand Rapids, and the Red Flannel Art Festival 2015 in Cedar Springs, Michigan, as well as several juried shows.  At an international juried competition in Spain, she was not only in the final top ten out of hundreds of artists, but she was also the only finalist from the United States.

Her main passion is painting the landscapes of the Great Plains. She is working with author Clay Jenkinson in the creation of several books about North Dakota. She has recently written her own book, 10 Minute Journey. It is a book about a special journey through an artistic experience and is now available in BAGA’s gift store.  Katrina will be doing a book signing during the opening reception.

Kim Eslinger is also featured in the Member Gallery. Kim grew up in North Dakota and loves being outdoors, finding inspiration in the plants, animals, and landscapes. Her exhibit features acrylic paintings, mixed media, watercolors, and poetry.