Meet the Artist Behind The KMW School of Painting

Published March 2023

Say hi to Amy Ward at The KMW School of Painting! A Union Square staple for artists of all ages since 1979, Amy shares the importance of bringing community together through art.

What is The KMW School of Painting’s origin story? 

For 40 years Katherine Martin Widmer, our founder, taught thousands of students here. From the beginning, the school has been a place for anyone who wanted to paint, and every student, regardless of their age, background, or ability, was met as an artist. And while it was absolutely about painting, it was also so much more; Katherine really centered everything on community.

What inspired you to continue Katherine’s legacy?

When she died in August 2019, the community feeling was so strong that we couldn’t say goodbye to the school. I formed a non-profit, The KMW School of Painting, and have been joyfully leading the organization since then. I share teaching duties with the super talented Joanie McCaughey and Heather Balchunas. Every day I am glad that this is what I do; I love seeing what people can create, watching a painter’s style develop, and witnessing the connections that form when people get creative together.

What aspect of your business makes you most proud to be a business leader in our community?

Union Square is such a delight. It’s a legitimate mix of anything you could want: homes and businesses, specialty shops and all-in-one places, excited newcomers and established fixtures, mom and pop and mama y papa! I see The School of Painting reflected in this: our students are from all backgrounds and age groups, and they range from beginners to artists who regularly sell their work. Everyone works on their own projects with their own styles and goals in mind, and we all learn from one another. We make each other better. That’s Union.

Sign up for classes at The KMW School of Painting on their website to flex your own painting muscles.