A winner of many awards, Jackson Hole artist Kay Stratman received herBA in Art at Minnesota State University-Moorhead in 1978, and worked asa graphic designer in Minneapolis. She has studied under several Asianbrush painting masters and since 1987 has been a professional fine artist,specializing in a watercolor style which she describes as Asian influenced,mixed with her Western experience. Kay's home in Wyoming inspires herto share her enthusiasm about the outdoors and conservation with peoplefar beyond its borders. Accomplishments are two "Best Wyoming Artist" awards at the annualWatercolor Wyoming national juried exhibit, and achieving "SignatureMember" status of the Wyoming Watercolor Society, as well as acceptanceinto Women Artists of the West. In 2024 Kay was the winner of the Spirit ofWyoming competition, sponsored by the Wyoming Arts Council andJackson Hole Still Works.Kay says: I love the feeling of a wet brush on the smooth surface. Mychallenge is to master two opposites - control and spontaneity - and blendthem successfully in one painting. My goal is that no matter how simple apainting may appear at first glance, the viewer will find something new eachtime they look at it. Conservationist, naturalist and philosopher AldoLeopold wrote: “There are some who can live without wild things, and somewho cannot.” I cannot.