"Growing up spoiled a lot of things."

Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

New York City – a great inspiration for the visual learner in Catherine S. Snodgrass, with a vast kaleidoscope of culture, grit and pulsating art scene...no shortage of motivation.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Catherine's artwork began to receive a good deal of public attention  throughout her school years. She won notable recognition from the City of New York, including various awards from the city's cultural arts coordinator, school board president, chancellor, and superintendent. During junior high school, her painting of Times Square was selected to exhibit in the second-largest art museum in NYC, the Brooklyn Museum of Art. This painting was later presented at a testimonial dinner to NYC's school chancellor, Irving Anker.

Catherine's appreciation of fine art emerged and her formal training developed further as she was accepted into a prominent art school in Manhattan. During this time, her paintings appeared in many exhibitions throughout the city to outstanding reviews.

Her career path took many turns - all in the heart of NYC - first, as a Graphic Art assistant at a large book publishing company. Next, she worked at a Fashion Avenue designer apparel company as a Spec Illustrator, and then spent over a decade in the newspaper publishing industry.

Later, she began to freelance as an illustrator and graphic designer, a decision that gave her the advantage of being selective with assignments while spending more time with her children. The  added time with her children helped re-acquaint her with a lifelong passion; children's picture books. She became fascinated by their ability to visually express thoughts without words - again, the visual learner in her.

In 2004, her first book, "Super Silly Sayings That Are Over Your Head" was published (Starfish Press), and received a Benjamin Franklin Literary Award nomination for Best New Voice (Children's/Young Adult). Her next book, "What's That Look On Your Face?" (AAPC) 2008, received numerous accolades from critics, educators, parents, and - most importantly - children. Her visually expressive books have had quite an impact on the educational market, having been used in educational curriculums and teacher manuals.

These days, she is occupied with numerous art projects, and is also working on new children’s book. She frequently works with kids offering art workshops and presentations in schools and libraries.

Catherine currently lives in California with her family. It’s a world that’s far-removed from New York City, but the city kid in her somehow always finds its way into her work.