Celebrated artist has painted history nearly five decades

CHICAGO — From the Revolutionary War to Ernest Hemingway novels, for nearly five decades Kay Smith has captured and documented American history wit...

March 25, 2023
5:50 AM

CHICAGO — From the Revolutionary War to Ernest Hemingway novels, for nearly five decades Kay Smith has captured and documented American history with the stroke of a paintbrush. And last month Smith, an Illinois artist laureate, along with family and friends celebrated her 100 th birthday. With a proclamation from the City of Chicago dedicating February 27 as 'Kay Smith Day,' the centenarian sipped champagne and enjoyed the festivities. But Smith is also a celebrated artist. Born in Vandalia Illinois, she moved to Chicago to study at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Lauren Jiggetts