CATHERINE PALMER
ABOUT CATHERINE PALMER
Catherine Palmer
b. 1952
Catherine Palmer's oil paintings of hillsides and houses in the hidden neighborhoods of San Francisco begin as photographs taken during her day-to-day routine. Stopping to observe how light moves across architectural structures, Palmer is often awestruck during dawn and dusk. In her paintings, Palmer reinterprets these stark contrasts of light, resulting in a geometric abstraction of the familiar forms. The vacant landscapes, devoid of human activity, offer the viewer a voyeuristic opportunity to explore and rediscover the city.
Palmer studied art at Virginia Commonwealth University and California State University, Chico before earning her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2008, she left her position teaching art at Alice Fong Yu Elementary School in San Francisco to dedicate herself full time to her studio practice. Palmer lives and works in San Francisco.
EDUCATION
1979 MA, Fine Arts, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
1977 BA, Fine Arts, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
1974 Sculpture and weaving, California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland, CA
1976 Textile Arts & Sculpture, California State University, Chico, CA
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2021 “Chasing the Light,” Hang Art, San Francisco, CA
2019 “North by Northwest,” Hang Art, San Francisco, CA
2017 “Ridgelines,” Hang Art, San Francisco, CA
2013 “Side Street,” Hang Art, San Francisco, CA
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2019 Art Market San Francisco, Hang Art Booth, San Francisco, CA
2018 Art Market San Francisco, Hang Art Booth, San Francisco, CA
2017 "Same, Same, But Different 6.0," Hang Art, San Francisco, CA
2016 “Light & Shadow,” Fusion Art, Palm Springs, CA
2016 “59th Juried Exhibition,” The Haggin Museum, Stockton, CA
2015 “Same, Same, But Different 4.0,” Hang Art, San Francisco, CA
2015 “A Place,” Hang Art, San Francisco, CA
2014 “Same, Same, But Different,” Hang Art, San Francisco, CA
2014 “Little Boxes,” Hang Art, San Francisco, CA
2012 “Blocks,” Hang Art, San Francisco, CA
2011 “Annual January Juried Show,” Gallery Route One, Point Reyes Station, CA
2011 “West Coast Biennial,” Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, CA
2011 “Cityscapes,” Light Space (online gallery)
2011 “Ode to California,” Pacific Art League, Palo Alto, CA
2011 “Celebrating Artistic Expressions,” Paul Nystrom Library, William Jessup University, Rocklin, CA
AWARDS
2011 Special Recognition for exhibited work “Perego Apartments” (2009), Cityscapes Art Exhibition, Light Space online Gallery
2011 2nd place winner and featured show announcement artist, “Ode to California,” Pacific Art League, Palo Alto, CA
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2000 – 2008 Art Teacher, Alice Fong Yu Elementary School, San Francisco, CA
1992 – 2007 Art Teacher and Parent-based art education program Coordinator, Rooftop Elementary School, San Francisco, CA
1995 – 2007 Art Instructor, Lively Arts, summer program of art, music and theater for children 3rd grade to 8th Grade, San Francisco, CA
1999 – 2003 Tutor using Linda Mood/Bell program for children with learning issues,The Reading Clinic, San Francisco, CA
