A degree in business and logistics and a career in marketing led Kate Gary Loyd down an unexpected path. Her story is one that should resonate with any business owner.
After growing up in Augusta, she earned her degree at Georgia Southern University and ended up staying in the area for 20 years. She moved back to Augusta to be near family. Five years ago, Kate started sketching and then painting part-time outside of her job with a local marketing agency.
“I sketched some 2” x 3” pictures of local churches and started selling them. My marketing background came in handy and then I started getting requests for larger renderings,” explained Loyd.
Her business is called Kate Gary Designs based on her maiden name. Soon after the orders started coming in, she began doing watercolors. Her work has since been commissioned by several CSRA businesses, including Doc’s Porch, NOLA Coffee, and Cantina Locale.
In the past month, she started offering art classes, which could be a perfect fit for business owners or management. Why?
“I’ve been in the corporate world. Art is a great way to recharge and think creatively and outside the box of the daily routine. We did a team-building painting exercise for a company several months ago and it was a hit.”
Some of her favorite paintings are landmarks, including churches, but also homes because “they all have a story.” They also capture memories, as do the famed landscape paintings she has done of Augusta National.
“I enjoy what I do because art is a unique gift. It connects people with good feelings and memories, from their first home, to where they got married.”
Kate also gives back to the community in other ways. She has served on the board of the East Central Georgia Red Cross for seven years. She is the incoming Chair of the Board of Directors.
Red Cross Executive Director, Susan Everitt said Kate was one of the first ones to show up during the recent disaster response for Hurricane Debby to greet volunteers.
“I love being able to help people when they need it most.”
Perhaps that is the artist in Kate Gary Loyd. According to the Modern Museum of Art, engaging in creative pursuits can serve as a powerful antidote to the stresses and anxieties of modern life.
To contact Kate Gary Designs, click here.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
