Featured Artists

2026 Featured Artist – Kathy Hauck

For Kathy (née Juveli) Hauck, creativity has always been part of life — but painting arrived as a surprising new chapter. After retiring in June 2025 from her role as an elementary school secretary with Minneapolis Public Schools, Kathy finally had the time to explore something she had never seriously tried before: painting. During a spring break in 2024, she enrolled in an online acrylic abstract painting class — and within ten minutes, she was hooked.

Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, Kathy often layers in oil pastels, ink, and pencil, letting color and curiosity guide the process. Sometimes she begins with a loose idea — a flower, guitar, house, or even a robot — while other times she lets vibrant swashes, splashes, and dots of color take the lead. She signs her work “juveli,” a playful nod to her maiden name and the nickname many longtime friends still use for her. The piece she created for this year’s Art 4 Shelter fundraiser, titled “It’s My House and I Live Here,” draws its name from a beloved Diana Ross song and reflects the joyful, expressive energy that runs through much of her work.

Being selected as the featured artist for this year’s Art 4 Shelter fundraiser came as a surprise to Kathy. When event co-producer Juli Hanssen encouraged her to submit her work last year after seeing it on Instagram, she never imagined she would one day hold this honor. Supporting Simpson Housing Services through her art feels deeply meaningful, especially after touring the new Simpson Community Shelter & Apartments and seeing the thoughtful work being done there. As she looks ahead, Kathy describes painting as more than a hobby — it’s a new beginning. “I’m reimagining what my retirement looks like,” she says. “It’s like starting my life over. Here I go.”

Follow Kathy on Instagram @artbyjuveli