2024 Artist in Residence

Katie Mertz

Katie Mertz is a Rochester, NY based artist who channels her love for bold, bright colors, organic shapes, and intricate patterns into explosive abstract artwork.

Using wavy shapes, bright colors, and maximalist composition, Katie’s art shows the mix of chaos and beauty in her life dealing with ADHD and major depressive disorder.

Her art is a clean escape from life’s messiness, a visual feast that transcends chaos and embraces beauty. Katie believes in the healing power of art. Beyond the canvas, she draws inspiration from nature, finds solace in running, and enjoys the freedom of bike rides.

Advocating for neurodiversity and accessibility is Katie’s passion, as she strives to be a firecracker advocate in her local community through professional and personal channels. For Katie, acrylic paints become the medium for expressing the intricate dance of life’s emotions.