Kate Irene Kristian, Toil and Joy

Kate Kristian (b. 1996) was raised in a small town in Northern California, surrounded by nature. From an early age, she had a strong inclination toward creativity, with a particular focus on art. Her dedication deepened throughout adolescence, leading her to pursue a Fine Arts degree at a local community college while dually enrolled in high school.

She began classical training at the Russian River Atelier (2018–2020) before moving to New York City to study at The Florence Academy of Art US (2020). When that school suddenly closed, she applied to transfer and was accepted to the Grand Central Atelier (2020–2024), graduating in May 2024. Every summer as a student, she was accepted into the Hudson River Fellowship (2021-present), an experience that shaped her artistic and professional development. She now teaches drawing and painting in the core program at Grand Central Atelier (2024-present). She was also recently hired to teach drawing in the core program at the Lyme Academy of Art, beginning this Fall (2025).

Kate works from her home studio in Brooklyn, NY.