A life-long resident of the Chesapeake Bay area, Cathy Harville has always cherished the natural beauty of the land and sea. Since her parents convinced her that she could not make a living as an artist, Cathy pursued a career in corporate America, where she enjoyed 20 years of technical service, sales, and marketing to other huge companies. In 2000, Bipolar Disorder finally took her down, and she lost her career and her compass.

Yearning to get meaning back into her life, Cathy started painting in watercolors. She worked with Maria and George Goebel at Staub Art Studio in Catonsville, MD, where she learned techniques in water media and pastels. In 2005, Cathy opened her own studio at Historic Savage Mill in Savage, MD. An avid boater and kayaker, Cathy was appalled by the sprawling development of our open spaces, and the clear cutting of trees. Through the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, she realized that not only were our landscapes in danger - the Bay was also in trouble, from farming run-off, over-fishing, and pollution. with brush in hand, she decided to capture our precious open spaces and waterways in paint.

While kayaking, or out on their boat, Cathy photographs the world around her. Using color as her narrator, she records the beauty seldom seen by most people. She hopes that by capturing river grasses and reflections, that the public will begin to appreciate and realize the importance of our environment.

Cathy's artwork now hangs in homes and offices throughout the US. She continues to paint in acrylics, and enjoys the texture and bold strokes she can achieve. While Bipolar Disorder stills invades her progress, Cathy fights back with her expressive art. In addition to supporting the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Cathy belongs to several local art leagues, and has participated in numerous charity events. In her 52 year on this planet, Cathy is just getting started, sending the message that we are all stewards of this fragile planet we call home.

Cathy lives with her husband, Richard, in Gambrills, MD, along with their canine companion, Lucy.