Colleen Cassidy was born in East Islip, Long Island. There she studied art at the primary and secondary levels before moving to Sarasota in 1977 to continue her studies at the Ringling School of Art and Design. She received a degree in fine art in 1981.
Since that time, Colleen has honed her craft, specializing in watercolor and painted furniture. She also began teaching her unique artistic outlook to students at various schools in the area.
In 1995, she opened her own watercolor art school in Sarasota, where she taught children and adults of all ages and skill levels. In 1997 she and her husband purchased and renovated a 1905 Victorian House and property at 4613 South Tamiami Trail. They were able to historical register the property as the Bispham-Wilson Historic District. She opened her new art school,art, gift and framing gallery in the unique and colorful Victorian house in 1999.
Her award-winning works have been exhibited at Florida West Coast Symphony Designer Showcase, American Society of Interior Designer Showcase, Art Center of Sarasota, Arts Day, Art Center of Sarasota and Longboat Key Center as well as various local art and gift galleries.
She recently was awarded the Most Creative Booth at the American Society of Interior Designers Resource Show. Her pet portrait artwork was featured in the Family Circle Magazine. She was also featured in the “Made in Sarasota” section of the Sarasota Magazine. Her artwork was displayed at the 35th Annual Florida Watercolor Society Exhibition.
Colleen is a member of the Art Center of Sarasota, Art Council of Sarasota, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the Florida Watercolor Society.