Kathleen Houser

Tell something about your family, where you grew up, went to school, etc.

I grew up in the Albany area, the second of 8 children and attended Catholic grade school.  Because we wore uniforms, I especially loved having a chance to dress up on Sundays for church. That, and living so close to NYC, helped instill a love of fashion in me. 

What were your early childhood influences regarding art- family, teachers, etc.?

Since there were no formal art experiences in school, I very much enjoyed doing arts and crafts in scouting.  Switching to public schools for junior and senior highs broadened my art experiences as I now could take art and home economic classes.  Sewing in junior high was a highlight for me as well as watercolor painting with my teacher Miss Jackson and working with clay with Mr. Musella. 

Did you go to college? Any mentors?

I continued my education at Nazareth College (University now) where I received a BS in Art

Education.  Before attending college, I sewed my entire wardrobe and was named "Best

Dressed Freshman" for Glamour Magazine's college competition.  I taught art in Victor for 17 years, earning my MS while teaching and was influenced by a textile course with Susan Rowley during which I wove 10 yards of 40" twill on a 4-harness loom and made a couch out of it for my thesis. 

Was it challenging to balance your love of creating art and your teaching career?

After starting a "Gifted in the Arts" program at Victor and volunteering as Publicity Chair for the NYS Art Teachers Association, I decide to get a degree in Administration.  I then moved on to become a Primary School Principal, serving in Victor, Pembroke and Newark for the next 13 years.  During this time, I continued to create, show and sell my work. 

How did you continue your love of art after your retirement?

After retiring from education in 2003, I began making 3D garden accessories from vintage recycled china, glass and metals to sell at festivals and in local shops.  During that time, I also held Tea Parties in several historic homes.  Today, I still sell mirrors and garden totems at Christkindl in Canandaigua, but my focus has shifted to upcycling mostly vintage fabrics into wearable art.  Color and texture are my greatest inspiration for these pieces although I am also inspired by themes from the galleries I belong to now.  I have never had trouble creating art other than lack of time due to teaching and having a family.  On the contrary, I can't stop making beautiful things whether it's a meal, a garden, decorating or dressing up!! 

Do you listen to music or podcasts when you create? 

Currently I listen to classical cello music and work at my machine in the beautiful sewing room now set up in our sitting room, surrounded by displays of hats, purses, gloves and perfume bottle collections that cover the walls and surfaces. 

Where can people go to see your art? 

I regularly exhibit my work at the OCAC Gallery in the Historical Museum, at the Mill Gallery in Honeoye Falls, at Cobblestone Arts Center in Farmington and at Christkindl.  It can also be seen on my Facebook page as well as the RAFA Facebook page.

Do you accept commissions? 

I do accept commissions.

Do you have a piece of artwork that you’re most proud of? Why?

I am most proud of the Bog Coats I make from vintage tablecloths as well as the kimonos and ponchos created from vintage saris.  It brings me great pleasure and peace of mind to give a new purpose to materials that had a former life and keep them out of the landfill. 

Professionally, what’s your goal?

My goal is to have more of my wearable art in area shops and Boutiques.  I have been accepted into the Boutique Clothing section of the Lilac Festival in May and hope to make some connections there.