In The Studio With Katerie Prior


“My mother used to say that when I was a little girl, she could put down art supplies in front of me and I would be busy all day. I’m still the same way, the only exception is maybe now wine and Netflix are involved.”

As stated, Katerie has been an artist her whole life. It was not until 2014 that she started prioritizing her pursuit of art by participating in shows and joining groups. She joined the Greenleaf Art Center in October 2022 after her move from Michigan to Rogers Park. Her current work is centered around natural scenes and landscapes. Though natural landscapes are not as easy to come by in Chicago as they were in Michigan, Katerie has not had too hard of a time places to inspire her. Her favorite place to visit is the Montrose Bird Sanctuary.

Katerie is inspired by both impressionist artists’ takes on landscapes and well as the modified impressionism of Edward Hopper. Beyond that, her inspiration varies as she falls into different phases of what she calls “artist research rabbit holes:”

“…for a while, it was Frida Kahlo. Last year, it was Andy Warhol, and I think this year it’s Gustav Klimt.”

Her most beloved piece in the collection is titled “At The Center.” This brand-new work took her several months to complete. She experimented with acrylic paint, a somewhat new medium for Katerie.

Her work is not limited to natural scenes. Some of her recent exhibitions included abstract work. Check out her Instagram (@k8inspiration) to view more of her work and stop by the Greenleaf Art Center to see her window display in person for the month of July 2024!

Scarelli has worked for private clients in the U.S. He has participated in group exhibitions in Chicago.

Paintings features in this article:

A View of Chicago from Montrose Point
Soft pastel and colored pencil
$225

August Fields
Soft pastel and colored pencil
$225

Sunlight and Shadows: A Self-Portrait of Sorts
Soft Pastel and colored pencil
$225