Cathy Leather is a California-based printmaker whose work explores birds, wetlands, and the translation of sound into image. Working across photopolymer, monotype, and pronto lithography, she integrates field observation, photography, and audio-based processes to visualize the natural world.

Education

MFA, New Media, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA (2012)
California State Teaching Credential, Visual Arts & Technology, University of San Francisco (2012)
BA, University of Toledo, OH
Professional Workshop, Project on People, Computers, and Design, Stanford University (Winograd & Norman, 1992)

Artist Residencies & Workshops

Workshop in Residence, Creating Time and Space, MASS MoCA, North Adams, MA (2026)
Kala Art Institute, Berkeley, CA — Artist-in-Residence (2023–2024)
Etching with Andrew Baldwin, Wales, UK (2024)
Direct-to-Plate Etching, Ansel Adams Gallery (Clay Harmon, 2024)
Cyanotype, MISSA (2023)
Extensive coursework, Zea Mays Printmaking (2015–2022): Monotype, Solarplate, Prints & Poetry, Professional Development
Self-directed residency, Zea Mays Printmaking (2022)

Selected Exhibitions

2026

O'Hanlon Center for the Arts — Sound and Art (Juried)
Marin Society of Artists — Art + Word

2025

Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, London, UK (Juried; Curator’s Hang)
Transmission Gallery — Pint Size (Juried), Oakland, CA
O'Hanlon Center for the Arts — Bits and Pieces (Juried), Mill Valley, CA
Marin Society of Artists — Art + Word

2024

Two-Person Exhibition, Yuba Sutter Arts
Marin Society of Artists — Crazy for Art (Juried, Honorable Mention)
O'Hanlon Center for the Arts — Floral Fantasies (Juried)
Zea Mays Printmaking — Three Years of Conversation
Kala Art Institute — Residency Exhibition
Marin Society of Artists — World Untamed (Juried; 2 works)

2023

Marin Society of Artists — Fresh Art (Juried; Honorable Mention)
Marin Society of Artists — All About Women (Juried)
Silicon Valley Open Studios Preview, Los Altos Public Library
Works Gallery, San Jose, CA
Visual Philosophy Artist Show, San Jose, CA

Earlier Highlights

MISSA Artist Exhibition, Victoria, BC (2018)
Printmaking Summer Abroad Exhibition (Student Show), Italy (2012)
Silicon Valley Open Studios (2021–2023)

Exhibition Leadership

Co-Chair, Sustained Practice, Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, CA (Upcoming 2027)
Co-Chair, Printmaking: Process & Possibility, Marin Society of Artists (Open National, 2025)

Teaching & Education Experience

Visual Arts Teacher, Archbishop Mitty High School, San Jose, CA (2016–2022)
Visual Arts Teacher, Saratoga High School, CA (2011–2016)
Graduate Instructor, Principles of UX, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA (2013)
Lead Mentor, Robotics Program, Archbishop Mitty High School (2020–2022)

Professional Affiliations

California Society of Printmakers
Marin Society of Artists (Former Board Member)
Zea Mays Printmaking
Sitka Center for Art and Ecology

Honors & Awards

Second Place, Marin Society of Artists — Art + Word (2026)
Second Place, Marin Society of Artists — Wild California (2024)
Honorable Mention, Fresh Art, Marin Society of Artists (2023)
Honorable Mention, Crazy for Art, Marin Society of Artists (2024)

Installations

Archbishop Mitty High School, San Jose — Visual design for 90-foot installation, Student Life Center

Volunteer & Community Engagement

Shorebird Count Volunteer, Audubon Canyon Ranch (Point Reyes & Tomales Bay)
Docent, M.F.K. Fisher’s “Last House,” Audubon Canyon Ranch
Marin Society of Artists — Board Member
Printmaking Workshop Leader, San Rafael High School
UI/UX Design Support, Global Health Research Corp (Bhutan, Guatemala, Nepal)
Art/STEM Volunteer, Nativity Sacred Heart School, San Jose

Creative Technology & Media Background

Supported Apple’s worldwide launch of QuickTime through SuperMac (training in London, SF, LA, NY)
Co-produced one of the earliest CD-ROMs using QuickTime digital video (Millimeter Magazine, 1992)
Curriculum Designer & Instructor, Apple/SuperMac at American Film Institute (1991)
Former Art Director, Ampex Corporation, On Command Corporation, and network television
Instructor for international workshops in digital video & graphics for NBC, ABC, CBS, Disney Imagineering, NHK, BBC

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