Charlotte Cathey Holder
Art For the Ages

Very appropriate words for an artist who has spent her entire life enriching the lives of others with her whimsical Animal Prints and philanthropic activities. “The mind of a child is so wonderfully free and imaginative. Everyday is an adventure, a magic carpet ride…and I try to convey this world of possibilities as a child sees it…perpetual summer, reachable stars, a world with no prejudice, no limits.”- Charlotte Holder. Charlotte has loved to draw and paint since her early childhood.

Charlotte grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. She received an AFA in Fine Arts from William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri and a BFA from Memphis State, University. She has also studied art at the Memphis Academy of Art and has done graduate studies at UAH, Huntsville and UAB in Birmingham.

Charlotte is well known for her wildlife art  and designs that appear regularly in several publications including McCalls and Arts and Leisure Magazine. She has also appeared on the cover of New South Magazine, Art and Frame Review, Southeastern Framer, and has done design conversion for Disney and Warner Bros. She has also licensed active wear of her images. Charlotte has been the recipient of numerous awards for her paintings and designs. Her one woman art shows include Memphis State University, The Huntsville Museum of Art, The Little Rock Museum of Art, and The Meridian Museum of Art.

Today, Charlotte has legions of fans. “Ever since I can remember, I have loved animals,” she said. “Growing up, we always had dogs and cats and birds. All animals fascinate me. The sheer variety of shapes and colors and texture is awesome. They have definite personalities that I try to show in their facial expressions.” Her works often carry playful humorous titles that not only reflect her extraordinary wit, but her deep spiritual and philanthropic commitment to not only her immediate community, but to the world at large. Charlotte’s greatest joy is to bring humor and a sense of the possible to children and collectors of all ages (including adults). Other awards and achievements include:

• In high school her teacher submitted Charlotte's artworks in the City of Memphis High School art contest where she won first place and a key to the city.

• 1st place Delta Exhibition, Atlanta, GA 1964.

• President of Sperry Rand Club, Huntsville, 1969. (Community Outreach).

• Chosen as one of the four "Beautiful Activists" of Alabama (1972), based on community service.

• Taught art for “Park Art” program from 1978-1980.

• Executive Director of “Park Art”, in Birmingham, 1980-1984 this was an organization that took the visual and performing arts into the disadvantaged areas of the city.

• Designer of handmade paper jewelry for Mélange 1987-1991.

• President of Shelby County Art Association, 1998.

• Senior designer for Symbol of Excellence publishers 1993-1998 (designs published in McCall's Magazine, etc..)

• Designer for Leisure Arts Magazine, 1999.

• Started Cathartic Designs 2000.

• Board member of VSA since 2004, taught art to kids with mental and physical disabilities.

• 2005 forward design promotional material gratis for Dog rescue groups.

Partial list……..

“I think whimsy has always been in my soul. This is the real me,” Mrs. Holder said with satisfaction, “And it’s a joy to see other people enjoying it.”

The real treat will be Charlotte’s new art program of original wildlife art paintings, limited edition signed and numbered animal prints, limited issue editions,animal posters, and her design work for application to other products for branding, sponsorship, and licensing. We are sure that Charlotte’s new program will bring endless hours of joy and delight to her collectors by lifting their spirits through art and laughter.