Today we’d like to introduce you to Cass McVety.
Hi Cass, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m happily retired from corporate enjoying art career now. I have a BS degree in art and psychology from NYU which took me 8 years at night (I worked at a graduate school and so got free tuition).
I raised 3 children (their father died young) on my own by having to work a lot in the administration of legal departments. As a creative this was extremely difficult – the tool I was most proficient at was a computer – unfortunately it wasn’t a piano. I retired early by successfully convincing a judge that the bipolar disorder I suffered from was too much for me to continue in this capacity. My desire to get out of these unpleasant jobs got me fired often.
My freedom started at early retirement in 1998 and continues to this day. I’m now 78 years old with wonderful accomplishments in the art field – nominated in 2022 as best visual artist by the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR). I’ve exhibited widely in the Hudson Valley and have been invited to galleries in Manhattan and other places as well.
I’ve produced a memoir, illustrated children’s books and am currently producing a book – both writing and illustrating – “Finnegan the Traveling Cat”.
Here is my unconventional bio:
Catherine (Cass) McVety
~ AND TO EVERYONE ~
LOVE AND LOVE AND DO THE BEST
YOU CAN IN LOVE AND LOVE AND
GIVE AND LOVE AND DON’T EXPECT ANYTHING
~ JUST GIVE ~
Self-taught watercolorist also working in acrylics, colored pencil and most media. Art History major at NYU receiving interdisciplinary B.S. degree in art and psychology; Art Therapist for multiple agencies in Rockland County NY and the tri-state area, gratefully retired from corporate. Best visual artist by ACOR in 2022. Clarkstown camp art teacher for 120 children; currently teaching art to kids K-5.
Catherine McVety on Facebook
@cassmcvety on Instagram
Catherine (Cass) McVety
ARTIST
55 Kings Highway
Congers, NY 10920
cmcvety@me.com
845 300 0739
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. …. single mother of 3 kids since the late 1980’s I had to work at jobs and hire babysitters to help put food on the table. I’ve been employed as a Nanny for many families…
I also worked part time as an Art Therapist for various organizations which fed my creativity and desire to help people with disabilities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My art work is eclectic – ranging from realism and abstraction. Most of my early work is watercolor as I have often tried to conquer difficult things. I succeeded and have sold many watercolor pieces over the years. Acrylic painting and colored pencil drawing are also part of my art repertoire. I find that working in both realism and abstraction allows me to have fun and accept the art that I produce through self actualization. So watercolor, acrylics and colored pencil are my primary instruments. In 2021 I produced a mural (vineyard) on the side of a wall in Congers, NY where I live and have also collaborated with several other mural artists – recently completing 3 panels of Edward Hopper art at the Hopper Museum in Nyack, NY.
I did a series of birch tree tryptics in acrylic and sold many – the title of these pieces: “Birchdom”. Musical notes have also been a large part of the pieces I’ve created including painting on mannequins …
I am most proud of having survived legal corporate work while raising 3 kids on my own. …. AND the art that I have produced I’m proud of because most of it is fun and whimsical, and I believe that this sets me apart from others because I make people HAPPY.
What matters most to you?
ART matters most to me
Because
Teaching art to children matters a lot to me as I appreciate instilling creativity and confidence in kids who need it to proceed with life in every way
I’m trying to save an art studio near me from demolition – politicians want to tear down buildings on a local school campus for development (where I happily taught 120 summer camp kids art in 2022). This matters and I am fighting it with all my heart and soul and have garnered a lot of support from the community,
SO I continue to raise awareness and use of cultural art by teaching, creating and exhibiting all the time …
Pricing:
- free
- $5-20
- $20-60
- $60-200
- $200-$1,000 (plus!)
Contact Info:
- Email: cmcvety@me.com
- Instagram: @cassmcvety
- Facebook: Catherine (Cass) McVety
