The Bismarck Art and Galleries Association will be hosting an open house for Kate Moynihan, a former resident of Bismarck.
The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the gallery. In conjunction, the association will be providing an intermediate watercolor class from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6. Moynihan also will be at the Southridge Center Barnes & Noble on Oct. 7 to sign her book.
Moynihan, an author and artist, moved to Bismarck in 1986 with her fiance. When the engagement was broken off, she decided to stay in Bismarck.
"In my dire state, instantly several people in the community rallied around me, fueling my self-confidence. Because of their loyalty, I was able to grow, to branch out and become strong. After several years, I was able to move back to Michigan as a professional artist and, eventually, a successful author, penning my memoir, 'A Lone Birch,'" said Moynihan, who is returning after more than 25 years to thank the people of Bismarck for supporting her in her time of need.
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"I'm so thankful to be giving back to the community who helped me. I owe my first step toward healing to a timely meeting back then at St. Alexius Medical Center, she said.
Moynihan created Alex the Cat in the late 1980s for St. Alexius, which is still the hospital's mascot today. As a result of that experience, she decided to enroll in the arts at Bismarck State College. She then created an online class through the Bismarck Art and Gallery Association based on watercolor styles she learned back in Michigan.
She participated in many art shows, including the first Capitol grounds art fair in Bismarck, the Presbyterian Festival of Arts and Heritage Centennial Arts, where she earned first place for her work. Many larger companies bought her artwork. Throughout her many years of artistry, she has developed a love for the birch tree.
"We all have that kind of beauty ... and by peeling back our layers, we, too, can become inspired to discover ourselves, grow from our missteps and celebrate our challenges," said Moynihan, who owned an art gallery in Holland, Mich.. for the past 25 years and has recently retired. Along with "A Lone Birch," Moynihan has written three other novels, "Beached in a Camper," "Trouble Out West" and "Mystery in a Spooky Old House." All four of her books can be purchased at Barnes & Noble.