It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Cathy Ryan passed away on Saturday, October 5th, 2024. She was a beloved friend, co-op artist, active community member, and board member and will be missed by so many. Cathy’s lifelong love and commitment to art and community have inspired and left a lasting impact on us all.
In accordance with Cathy’s wishes, her partner Doris and her family will not be hosting a memorial service or end-of-life celebration.
To make a memory gift in Cathy's honor, please make a donation to the Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA).
Cathy made an impact in so many organizations and individuals’ lives throughout her career and art practice. Many know that Cathy was a talented printmaker and book artist who received the MN Book Artist award in 2022, the Jerome Book Arts Fellowship in 2011-12, and had her work included in the 2012 Quarry publication “1000 Artist Books.” She has been an artist-in-residence at the Anderson Center in Red Wing, co-curated The Contained Narrative: defining the Contemporary Artist’s Book exhibit at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and received an artist residency in Salzburg, Austria. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is included in private and public collections, including the Minnesota Historical Society, Hennepin County Library Special Collections, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Library Special Collections.
“Cathy was a talented artist with a rich career devoted to education and philanthropy. We are grateful for Cathy’s warmth, knowledge, and presence within our community as a co-op member and Board member. “ — Jehra Patrick, Executive Director
Cathy Ryan (second from the left) at the opening reception of The Contemporary Print: 20 Years at Highpoint Editions
Additionally, she contributed to the broader Twin Cities arts community through her service on MCBA and Highpoint’s Board of Directors. Cathy was a longstanding member of our community here at Highpoint; she has been a member since 2005, a co-op member since 2011, and a Highpoint board member since 2021.
“Beyond the abundance of artistic accomplishments and philanthropic efforts, Cathy Ryan was simply a great human being. Her loss will be felt deeply within Highpoint and well beyond our walls.” — Josh Bindewald, Director of Artist Programs
Cathy Ryan, URBAN OASIS (detail), screenprint, letterpress, collage, digital photography, 2020
Cathy Ryan, CHRONICLE, screenprinted and letterpressed on Rives BFK. The binding is drumleaf, and the cover is Hanji Irish Grey over a bookboard. The box is Japanese book cloth over a bookboard.
Photography: Petronella J. Ytsma.
Most importantly, Cathy was a wonderful human and friend and will be terribly missed in our community. Thanks for keeping Cathy's memory and her partner Doris in your thoughts.
You can find Cathy’s obituary in the Star Tribune here.
Minnesota Center for Book Arts announcement of Cathy Ryan’s Minnesota Book Artist Award.
Youtube Artist Talk: 2022 MN Book Artist Award Winner Cathy Ryan.
Cathy Ryan’s art website.
”Urban Oasis,” Cathy Ryan’s recent solo show in Highpoint’s Print Study Room, 2020.