Classmate Spotlight...

An artist is someone who employs creative talent to produce works of art. The term may be used in connection with any branch of the arts--for example music, literature, and theatre...but more commonly refers to an individual who practices the visual arts or fine arts. Kathie Maguire Morolda is one such artist, starting her business, Cranbury Station Gallery, because of a dream she had from an early age to be able to combine her love of art and her entrepreneurial tendencies into a “living”.

In 1978, her first child, Adam, was turning one, and the second child, Casserly was on the way. Kathie and her husband Nick purchased their home with the intent that some day she would be able to open an Art Gallery in an old black smith building shop on their property.

Eventually, after the birth of their third child, Kathie opened Cranbury Station Gallery in 1983. With her business plan of being politely aggressive and the use of networking with fellow businesses her dream began to blossom.

Over the past 27 years, the business has been fortunate enough to provide fine art and custom framing services to many prestigious companies, from that first assignment with the Heritage Banks, to restoration of historic frames for Princeton University. Clients began to have trust in her to frame their valuable art and possessions. Kathie has also framed artwork for many notable personalties, from Bill Bradley and Toni Morrison to Bebe Neuwirth. Back in 1995, when the movie “IQ” was being filmed in Princeton, her business was selected by Paramount Motion Pictures to frame all of the art in the scenes of Albert Einstein’s home. This was a real accomplishment, because the artwork had to be “authentic” to the era and completed within 24 hrs! Recently Cranbury Station Gallery was hired by the Toy Industry Association to conduct seminars at their four day Toy Fair at Jacob Javits Center in NYC, with Kathie speaking on a variety of business challenges faced by a independent business owner.

Although she is proud of all these accomplishments (and many more), perhaps the accomplishment she is most proud of is building the business while raising her four children. In the beginning while juggling the duties of a business owner and a mom working from home, she was able to advance her skills as an artist, and began to sell her own artwork at the gallery. Shortly after that Kathie was signed by Apple Arts as one of their published artists.

Kathie is very involved in the many business owner associations. She unselfishly devotes much of her time to promote the merchants of Princeton. Her participation was the voice of the independent, smaller businesses in the Princeton area, addressing both their immediate concerns and where they would like to see independent businesses grow in the future. This was a very successful venture. As an active member in the Princeton Chamber of Commerce, Kathie is often asked to represent the independent business owners on many panel discussions. As a result of her exposure on these panels, a new respect has emerged for the smaller businesses.

Part of her vision at the gallery is to mentor aspiring female artists in their business dreams. She encourages her part time employees to gain as much business experience as they can while working at the gallery, by exposing them to both technical and business disciplines. Many have gone on to successful careers as business owners themselves. In addition, Kathie is very active in the Princeton based program, "Not in Our Town", an organization dedicated to eliminating racism in the community.

For many of us that were aware of Kathie's kind spirit during our days at WHS we know it's more than just business advancement for her. Kathie is a prominent member of the "Give Back" program, working to support a shelter for domestic abused victims, collecting food for the Trenton soup kitchens and she gathers clothing to assist a back to work program for women in need to have "interview" clothes.

So, in our decision to highlight Kathie Maguire Morolda this month as a fellow classmate it was not solely based on her amazing creative talents but her unselfish heart as well. The Princeton community is certainly fortunate to have Kathie as one of their team members...when it comes to WHS we have always embraced her as one our own.

Kathie is considered by her creative peers as one the world's best watercolor artists. We applaud the young lady that once rode the school bus from Menlo Park Terrace.. Kathie, you are more than an amazing artist, you are someone that has stayed true to your kind ways...something that Nick and the kids will certainly agree with.

Take a moment to visit Kathie's web site at: www.kmmorolda.com and view additional samples of her terrific work.

(Please double click on her images displayed here for a larger view.)