Art by:
Kate Russum
Opening Reception:
Sunday, July 12, 2026
1pm-3pm
by Kate Russum
by Kate Russum
About the Galleries at First Pres
The Galleries at First Pres began in January of 2017 and was founded by Dr. Jacob Craig, with Peter and Carole Coe as curators. Their mission is to feature a wide variety of works by local artists, on rotation quarterly throughout the year. The Galleries are located throughout the campus of First Presbyterian Church. They are open for viewing from 12pm to 3pm, Monday through Thursday. Guided tours can be made available upon request. Admission is free and open to the community.
Our current curator is Mrs. Susan "Suze" Lavender. Suze was born and raised on the south shore of Long Island, NY. Her two loves were always Art and the Sea. She loves to draw and paint moments to release emotions. Although she has never been formally trained in Art, except for the odd class in a variety of different mediums, her art shows a natural talent and beauty that exhibits a deep love and the heart and soul she puts into her work. Since meeting and studying under Frits Van Eeden in the last five years, she feels that he has opened up a window of what could be. Suze’s art now has the energy, emotion, color, and passion that she’s always strived to put on canvas. Suze says, “I have been an artist my entire life, but I have had no formal training until recently. I knew I had so much to say and had no idea how to transfer my thoughts onto canvas. There was a time when I viewed photographic and detailed production as the epitome of artistry. Gratefully, that is no longer the case. My New York upbringing is especially present in my cityscapes, and I've discovered how to communicate my ideas emotionally through textures, color choice, and subject. I've yet to travel the world however my paintings have created a world for me.”
Our Artist in Residence, Sheila Lougheed, has some of her artwork displayed throughout campus. Her most recent religious-inspired works can be found lining the stairwell of the Center for Christian Life- a 7-painting series that was created live during Sunday services in the Lenten Season of 2018. Each piece represents a different theme during the period of Lent. The final work of this series is a 12-foot tall painting of a dove to represent to resurrection and rebirth of Christ.
All about Kate Russum
Kate Russum
I usually tell people that painting is my sanity. The creative process is really a spiritual exercise, Allowing myself to immerse in the energy that moves through me as I paint. I use color (sometimes quite bright!) to create images and to combine mixed media materials intuitively, diving into texture, and shapes as expressions of the inner creative joy I feel in the painting and construction process.
Istarted painting in 2017 after moving to Vero Beach from Cleveland, OH. I’ve filled the roles of wife, mother, teacher, lawyer and “retiree.” Now, I am just enjoying each moment, without labels. It was my curiosity about “learning how to paint” that started my journey, which is now my passion., and in many ways, the most personally fulfilling chapter.
I’ve explored different mediums and styles, but abstract impression most likely fits my pieces. A lot of my work reflects my appreciation of ebb and flow, movement, reflecting the energy of my relationship with water’s power and flow. I grew up next to a sea wall on San Francisco Bay and loved the crashing waves during stormy times, the predictable rhythm of the tides and the connection with all that is sacred. I truly believe art is critical to bringing joy into every moment of our daily lives. We all respond to different kinds of art, appreciation is so personal to each viewer, but underlying it all is a human emotional connection that we can all share.