About Kathryn Merriam
Kathryn Merriam’s artistic journey was shaped by her childhood near Detroit, where the flash of classic cars and the rhythm of Motown music sparked her creative spirit. She pursued a deep passion for art and history at Wellesley College, earning a degree in Art History while experimenting with historical materials and techniques in the art lab. After raising five children and earning a PhD in History, Kathryn taught history and humanities at several New England colleges, enriching her understanding of the cultural threads that inspire her work.
Her art began with a fascination for traditional religious icons, leading her to study drawing and egg tempera through specialized workshops. She later honed her craft in oil painting and mixed media at the Milan Art Institute. Today, Kathryn splits her time between the luminous precision of egg tempera and the bold versatility of oil, creating works that resonate with historical depth and modern vitality. Her icons grace homes and churches, including a cherished piece in St. Catherine’s Orthodox Church, Gulu, Uganda.
Artist’s Statement
My paintings are a tribute to the stories that shape us—tales of bold adventurers and those with quiet, steadfast strength. As a historian, I weave authentic details into every scene, using historical materials and colors to breathe life into the past. Working in egg tempera, I craft intimate religious icons and small-scale works that glow with precision and reverence. In oil, my larger paintings capture the grandeur of 18th-century landscape traditions, chasing the luminous beauty of their boundless skies. Each brushstroke reflects my passion for blending history, heroism, and the timeless allure of the natural world.