Book illustrator, writer and art educator, Patrice Kennedy lives in
Sarasota, Florida with her husband, Joe and their two cats. Her studio has terrazzo floors, book cases filled with her art library, sculpture, orchids, modern pottery collection and lots of natural light.  She shares her love of art, animals, books and music with her grandchildren, Lauren and
Wilson, who live nearby. Together they do draw and paint in her studio and
are creating a butterfly and bird sanctuary where they can observe nature
for their drawings.

Patrice grew up surrounded by art and a family of artists and writers with
Italian opera playing in their home and memories of her father, James,
reading poetry. Her mother, Mary,who was also an artist, encouraged and
nurtured her creativity. Patrice received her first drafting table at age
eight and attended art classes at the local Art Association during the
summers. Her mother's uncle, James, was a graphic designer in special effect for Warner Brothers. Her aunt, a painter, introduced Patrice to the Art
Institute of Chicago, where she had studied during the 40's.

As an ambidexterous child being a student in parochial school during the
50's and 60's the use of her left hand was discouraged. This changed her
artwork.  Somehow she survived as an artist even within the conventional
realms of her academic training. Her teachers were concerned about her
daydreaming. Patrice was not. Her imagination is alive and well and has
provided lots of material for her books over the years.

Growing up as an artist, she always felt different until arriving at
Ringling School of Art and Design where she discovered so many other artists like herself. Ringling professors opened up a whole new world for her and taught her to appreciate her talent. After graduating with honors , Patrice
became a freelance illustrator and also began teaching art classes. She has
been an instructor of drawing, painting and writing on college, secondary,
elementary and adult levels. As an art teacher at Booker High School in the
Visual and Performing Arts Department, Patrice was awarded a summer teaching fellowship to Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Here she conducted research in creative studies and returned to using both her left and right hand in drawing, painting and writing.

Patrice continues doing books and teaching as an ESE art specialist for
grades K-12 at Oak Park School with students who are mentally, physically
and emotionally challenged. Patrice recognizes the value of creative
expression so teaching them how to connect with and develop their creativity
is most rewarding for her. The art department where she teaches was recently awarded a grant through the Community Foundation of Sarasota. This funds the Garden of Art project in the school's central courtyard with gardens of plants, sculpture and mosaic artwork.

Patrice plans to complete graduate work in Interdisiplinary Studies
related to creativity. Presently, she writing and illustrating a series of
books for children and still daydreaming.