Who is Kato Wake?

Kato Wake is a creative thinker, visual artist and designer, and a talented and efficient problem solver. Canadian by birth, she has recently moved to Tavira, Portugal.

AS A PAINTER, Kato is an award winning artist, and has participated in group and solo shows in Canada. She works in a wide spectrum of styles – from realistic to abstraction – in oil, acrylic, cold wax and mixed media. Her work is in collections across North America.

AS AN ART INSTRUCTOR, Kato has helped hundreds of adults find their unique creative voice. In Prince Edward County, Kato taught painting at Baxter Arts Centre, and in Toronto she taught graphic design at the Academy of Art & Design. She also conducted holiday painting workshops in Olhao, Portugal. In 2021 Kato launched an online painting course Get Creative with Kato! which is based on play, personal expression and understanding art fundamentals. Kato is a natural teacher.

AS A GRAPHIC DESIGNER, Kato has a 30 year history of self employment, and has designed numerous books, ads, logos, websites, annual reports, vehicle graphics, interiors and everything in between! She has helped corporations, not-for-profits, and entrepreneurs brand themselves with an impressive spectrum of marketing collateral. Kato is passionate about finding creative solutions to help her clients.

AS A TOUR CREATOR & GUIDE, Kato has worked with Billy Munnelly designing and leading tours to Italy, Portugal, France and Ireland. Through their company Billy’s Best Bottles (www.billysbestbottles.com) they have created and delivered successful tours for 10 years. Kato is into fun, detailed planning, and superb food and wine experiences.

AS A COMMUNITY BUILDER, Kato was recognized in 2021 for her contribution as a painting instructor and creative leader in the community of Prince Edward County. The 2021 selection committee stated: “Aside from teaching at the Baxter Centre, Kato is perhaps the best ‘connector’ of people we have in PEC, always connecting one artist with others. She encourages people to experiment and to recognize their own strengths. She holds art sales at Baxter in support of their programs, and assists artists in writing grant applications. Kato single-handedly created the huge thermometer to measure progress in the building campaign for our library. Her art books and supplies are always available to aspiring artists, as are her advice and tips. Hers is not a loud voice, but is eminently consistent, supportive and kind. She has done marvellous things to build our creative community.”

See Kato’s website here.