Kay Smith, Renowned Artist and Illinois Artist Laureate, Dies at 101

A Life Dedicated to Art and Creativity

Kay Smith painted until she couldn’t anymore, which was nearly seven decades. The celebrated watercolorist and Illinois’ Artist Laureate, age 101, died Tuesday — just 16 days shy of her 102nd birthday.

Born on a farm in Vandalia, Smith’s career “illustrated the power of pursuing one’s dreams with dedication,” said her daughter, Julia Smith.

A Long and Illustrious Career

Kay Smith lived for 70 years in Lincoln Park, in a Victorian rowhouse which served as her studio and gallery. She died there after a year in hospice care due to a heart condition.

She stopped painting in 2024. A few of her last works depicted flower bouquets she had received as gifts during hospice.

From her early days as a commercial illustrator to her later recognition as a leading artist, Smith was driven by a passion to capture the heart of American history and life.

A Career of Versatility

Smith’s artistic career kicked off with an assignment to paint historic landmarks for a series of books for the United States bicentennial. This led to a career as a commercial illustrator, before she uncovered her passion: on-site watercolor painting.

Smith traveled across the country to document landmark events and sites, culminating in her “American Legacy Collection,” a series of 300 paintings she believed could tell the story of the United States.

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois named Smith Artist Laureate of Illinois in 1994, recognizing her contributions to the arts. Richard M. Daley recognized her impact on the state’s cultural landscape.

Honors and Accolades

Smith was also the first historical artist to receive the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

Julia Smith says her mother loved Washington.

“He was a hero to her!” Julia Smith said. “She admired his presidency in general, but since he came from a farm and was, of course, a leader, she appreciated the recognition she received under his honor.”

Smith’s career was defined by its versatility. She worked on a range of projects, working with everyone from business owners to prominent public figures.

Personal Life

Aside from her artistic achievements, Smith taught at the Old Town Triangle Association, sharing her expertise well into her nineties.

Smith’s devotion to her craft often meant long periods away from her family throughout her lifetime, a sacrifice her daughter, Julia Smith, acknowledged with pride.

“She persevered, worked extremely hard, was willing to make mistakes, learn from her experiences, and lived what I believe was her calling and dream life.”

Smith married the William Smith in 1956.

Besides her daughter, survivors include a son-in-law, Ira Bodenstein; and grandchildren Sarah Rose Bodenstein, Jennie Bodenstein and George Bodenstein.

Conclusion

Kay Smith’s remarkable life and career serve as an inspiration to all who knew her. Her dedication to her craft, her passion for capturing the heart of American history and life, and her contributions to the arts will be deeply missed.

FAQs

* What was Kay Smith’s age at the time of her death?
+ 101
* What was the name of the series of paintings that Smith believed could tell the story of the United States?
+ “American Legacy Collection”
* Who recognized Smith’s contributions to the arts and named her Artist Laureate of Illinois in 1994?
+ The Lincoln Academy of Illinois and Richard M. Daley