About the Artist

My name is Kathy Kelly. I was given my first black cat at the age of nine and became a cat lover on the spot. I have always had a love of art and while working on my degree in Art Education I combined my great love of art and the fond memories of my first cat Bridget into the development of my comical black cat images.

In 1991, after ten years of teaching high school and completing my Masters Degree in Art Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL. I decided to create my own company, Kats by Kelly. I then packed up my van and headed for my first gift show and I've never looked back!

I've gained inspiration by the many cats that have strolled into my life as well as the wonderful stories told to me by cat lovers over the years. So, when you have a cat story please share it with me. I would love to hear about your cat's antics.

NEW Kitten--2008 is the 17th year for the adventure of Kats by Kelly (KBK) gift line! This year has brought a new model to the KBK family. In the fall of 2007 Kathy saved the purr-fect little gray tiger to join her seven year old beautiful black cat Morah. The Kittens name is Mattie.  Mattie took the places of Mae that pasted away in her arms the day before she was taking Mae in to be put to sleep.  Mae was 17 and had lived a wonderful life but it was her time and as the day approached of her going to “cat Heaven” her fur got more matted.  Kathy thought of the name “Mattie” as she looked at Mae’s matted fur and said the name out loud.  Mae very weak looked up at her as if to say “I’m not dead yet!”  Mattie has taken over the house and keeps Morah moving! When the coloring book is finished it will be called “Feed Me Now! After the pose of little Mattie at Kathys’ feet looking up as ANY meal is being prepared! Mattie is the first cat to climb into the refrigerator looking for more food!  She is featured twice in the 2009 calendar.

Kathy continues to work on new designs based on the stories you have sent and the crazy things her cats get into! Kathy has been working on ways to allow you to enjoy her designs on other products like checks in the mail or as rubber stamp designs. Calico crossroads has wonderful cross-stitch patterns plus a few mug designs. For calico crossroad info: www.calicocrossroads.com

Also: find different products at: www.cafepress.com/katsbykelly