VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, September 14, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kathleen Roys Lynch has been recognized for achievement in art and children's literature.

Ms. Lynch's career as an artist and author began when she accepted a position in adult education, creating culturally relevant material for Alaska Natives. With a background in Anthropology and cross-cultural studies, she was hired in 1972 to work with the ALL Project (Adult Literacy Lab) under University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) had just been passed under President Richard Nixon. Her first assignment was to translate the legalese of the Act into understandable English for use in village schools. Recognizing the language barriers in many villages, she developed educational materials that simplified complex legislation into accessible language for schools. These booklets remain integral to Alaska Native education today. Over the next decade she wrote and illustrated a variety of some thirty culturally-based texts, used not only by adult learners but by elementary and secondary students across the State as well. Subjects covered land claims, municipal government, Alaska legends and indigenous crafts.

Part of Lynch's work involved field testing the learning materials with Native teachers and teacher aides. This entailed frequent travel to remote villages, where she was able to photograph and sketch village life, later incorporated into her artwork. When field testing proved the importance of illustrations for beginning readers, Lynch decided to hone her own art skills instead of hiring illustrators. She enrolled in one art class per semester at UAA. Since instructors favored oil and acrylic over watercolor (the best medium for reproduction), she also studied with a number of acclaimed watercolorists like Irving Shapiro and Nita Engle who travelled to Alaska to paint and give workshops.

When the ALL Project ended in 1982, Lynch was eager to embark on her own art and writing career. In addition to teaching two art classes for UAA, she joined and exhibited with several professional art societies: Federation of Canadian Artists, Alaska Watercolor Society, Island Illustrators Society, and Alaska Artists Guild, serving as president of the latter for a year. Other juried shows she participated in were the National Audubon Exhibition of Alaska Wild-life and Northwestern Watercolor Society members show in Seattle. During this period Lynch released limited edition prints and posters, including a commemorative poster of the Alaska Highway 1942-1992. Another poster, "Northern Neighbors" depicting the 1988 Barrow Whale Rescue, received international recognition when it appeared on the cover of a Soviet magazine "Northern People". Gorbachev, whose ice breaker featured prominently in the rescue, had introduced the magazine to promote Russia's indigenous population (with ties to Alaska Natives aiding in the rescue). Many of Lynch's works were included in group publications, such as yearly calendars of the Island Illustrators Society, and in their publication "Coastal Moments", as well as a 1997 First National Bank of Anchorage calendar with participants selected from 150 entries statewide. During this time Lynch had gallery representation with Heritage Art and Frame, which provided vital support and opportunities for her to exhibit her work.

After relocating to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Lynch became involved in co-op art ventures, and open-air markets assisted by her husband William Strauss. In addition to painting, she published several children's books such as "Roger the Marmot," "Bella Finds a Friend", and illustrated other culture related books such as Paul Trout's "Dawn Stories" (early man), and "Alaska Boots for Chelsea" written by an Athabascan teacher in Alaska.

Currently semi-retired, Ms. Lynch paints from her Victoria studio. She is developing a booklet with illustrations in homage to the celebrated 20th century Canadian artist Emily Carr, inspired by living near Ms. Carr's birthplace and museum. Her proximity allows her to explore Ms. Carr's legacy deeply; she possesses a replica of Ms. Carr's mobile studio known as "the Elephant", which she plans to transform into a functioning studio for public viewing. Several replicas of Ms. Carr's works created by Ms. Lynch are displayed in collections, including at a hotel with historical ties to Ms. Carr's final days.

Ms. Lynch's unique academic background laid a strong foundation for her later career achievements. Born in Cornwall, Ontario, she became involved in archeology at age 13, during salvage operations related to construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. This early exposure inspired her pursuit of anthropology at the University of Toronto, where she earned both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in this field. She later spent a year in a doctoral program at Bryn Mawr College, 1970-71, (where the department head was acclaimed for her fieldwork in Alaska), but left before completing the program to take a position with the ALL Project at UAA.

Throughout her university studies, Lynch took part in archeological fieldwork that would prepare her for future years in Alaska. Sites included prehistoric Ontario Iroquois, historic Fort Louisbourg in Nova Scotia, Mound Builder survivals in Southeastern United States and Oklahoma. In 1966 she assisted James Vanstone with two excavations in Alaska. The latter was a formative experience that deepened her interest in Alaska and influenced much of her later work.

Throughout her career Lynch has received recognition for her artistic contributions and impactful civic engagement. Beyond her current painting pursuits, she continues to enjoy gardening and writing ---interests that reflect both her unwavering creative spirit and dedication to lifelong learning and artistic exploration.

# # #