Learn more about our staff.
Kathryn Lovinsky
Executive Director
Kathryn Lovinsky studied fine art and psychology at Brandeis University and the University of Vermont, receiving a dual Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Vermont. She received a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from The George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. Kathryn is a rostered mental health counselor with the State of Vermont as well as an artist. Kathryn has been with GRACE since 2015. For more information visit: www.kathrynlovinsky.com
Kathy Stark
Artistic Director
Kathy Stark studied art in New York City at the Art Students League, the New School, and the Printmaking Workshop. She received a Bachelor of Arts from New York University and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Adelphi University. Kathy is a professional artist who exhibits extensively. She is represented in New York City by the SOHO20 Gallery. Kathy has been with GRACE since 2000.
Janet Van Fleet
Workshop Leader
Janet Van Fleet is a self-taught Cabot, Vermont artist who works primarily with found materials. She grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, studied briefly at the Art Institute of Chicago, then went on to earn a B.A. in Psychology. She received an M.A. in Education while she was teaching in the Montpelier public schools. Van Fleet is a founder of Studio Place Arts (SPA), a three-story community center for the visual arts in Barre, Vermont, where her studio is located, and works as a curator and writer on the arts in addition to her own art practice. For more information visit: www.janetvanfleet.com
Marcie Vallette
Workshop Leader
Marcie Vallette, BFA; M. Ed.; LPN. Marcie Vallette works for several non-profit organizations as an educator, a nurse, and a graphic artist. She is also a fine artist, who exhibits regionally. An active interest in contemplative practice informs all of her work, personal and professional, and she has been a student of Basic Mindfulness as well as a facilitator (teaching meditation skills) for several years. She has a BFA from Montserrat College of Visual Art, and an M. Ed. from Johnson State College. In the early 90’s she spent three years living at the Vermont Studio Center studying with nationally known artists. A number of years later, she went to VT Technical College for a one-year program to prepare for a state licensure in Nursing in order to be of more help to people. She considers herself a life-long learner. She says, “I love to combine my interests and experiences in art, education, and in the helping fields, and it is a pleasure to share what I know.”
Elijah Kraatz
Workshop Leader
Art, music, wilderness canoe exploration, and yoga are the things that help maintain balance in my life. I am grateful!As long I can remember I have been creating art . Once, my aim was to recreate things that I could see. Eventually I started to think, “These things I can see are perfect the way they are so why recreate them?” My inspiration eventually faded and I turned my focus to song writing instead. A few years ago I attended a GRACE workshop with a client. This workshop was for people with developmental disabilities. I found beauty and inspiration in the abstract art being created there. Santiago, the facilitator of this program, encouraged care providers to join in and create art of their own. Santiago convinced me to try painting. I had always been intimidated by paint. I guess I thought I would not be able to execute details in a way that I would enjoy. I found that when I surrendered my own desires, these paintings took on a spirit of their own. They tell me where they want to go and when they are complete. For this reason I no longer name them. I know that they will speak to the viewer and tell you their names. Every person that views them will find their own understanding. These paintings always surprise and bring me joy! When Santiago moved to Boston I accepted the challenge of becoming the new workshop leader and now enjoy a position as a GRACE facilitator at The Howard Center’s Resource Center in South Burlington VT.