Kathy Denny
![Kathy Denny – Friends United Indigenous Artist Kathy Denny — Friends United Artist](https://www.friends-united.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Kathy-Denny-Friends-United-Indigenous-Artist.jpg)
Katherine Noel Denny (Kathy) was born 11th December 1964 to late Sarah (Potlotek and raised in Membertou) and late Noel R Denny from Eskasoni. Kathy is the youngest daughter of Sarah’s 12, and her dad had one daughter prior to meeting Sarah. When Kathy was 10 years old, she was gifted a painting kit from her sister, the late Mary Rose Julian, for Christmas. Mary Rose was an artist herself who recognized the potential of Kathy’s talent when she saw the result of her Christmas gift, and convinced their mother, Sarah, to enrol Kathy into art classes.
Kathy travelled every Saturday with her mother to Sydney for art classes. Kathy also took classes with Sister Delorey at Holy Angels High School and graduated with grade 12 in 1983. She subsequently returned to the high school to take additional courses and graduated again in 1984.
Kathy practiced painting at home in her spare time and enjoyed meditation painting, which brought her well-being. She then took another painting course with Professor Barry Gabriel at Cape Breton University, in which she excelled.
On 26th August 2022, Kathy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was forced to early retirement. Pain prevented Kathy from painting and when she started Chemo, Kathy became pain-free. Kathy now enjoys painting full-time and is currently trying to paint commissioned orders she fell behind on.
As of May 2024 and with 49 years of painting experience, Kathy Denny joined the Friends United Family. The Friends United Family is very honoured to have her as a member.