Cat Johnston Floyd (Class of 2010) Opens Savannah Art Gallery

American Heritage Schools is proud to celebrate the artistic achievements of alumna Cat Johnston Floyd (Class of 2010), who has successfully built a career as a published illustrator and fine artist. Cat, the daughter of Lower School Principal Lauren Johnston, now owns and operates her own art gallery space in Savannah, Georgia.

From First Grade Award to Fine Art Career

Cat’s commitment to art began early at American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus. In first grade, she won 1st place in the Broward County Fair for her cityscape, an achievement that predicted her professional direction.

"The Arts Department at American Heritage gave me a strong foundation through excellent teachers and a wide variety of fine arts classes," Cat shared. "Those classes helped me build essential technical skills that I’ve continued to expand on in college and throughout my career."

Beyond the studio, Cat was active with the theater tech crew, volunteered with the Lower School taekwondo program, and was a member of the varsity cheerleading team. She credits her time at AHS with providing key advantages: "My most memorable experience was having so many opportunities for advancement in visual arts. The school offered an incredible catalog of fine arts classes that most schools don’t provide… Those experiences gave me a significant head start. When I entered college, I already had technical skills and hands-on experience that many of my peers didn’t yet have. It gave me confidence in my abilities and allowed me to focus on refining my artistic voice rather than starting from scratch."

SCAD Education

After graduating from American Heritage Schools in 2010, Cat earned a B.F.A. in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), graduating magna cum laude.

"The most valuable lesson I learned in SCAD’s Illustration program was how to develop a concept," she noted. "I learned how to brainstorm, refine, and fully form an idea before ever starting a piece of art, something I still apply to every work I create today."

Cat began her career as a published illustrator before successfully transitioning to fine art, where she now specializes in watercolor paintings and mixed-media collages.

The Art of Entrepreneurship

Cat's work is celebrated for blending themes of femininity, nature, and the mystical, using delicate linework and soft watercolor textures to create ethereal, dreamlike imagery. “My core themes of femininity, nature, and the mystical developed naturally over time. I’m heavily inspired by surrealism and the unknown, and as I’ve created, I’ve noticed recurring imagery in my work: deep ocean scenes, celestial imagery, and other impossibilities. I’m a naturally curious person, and I tend to visualize whatever I’m thinking about… and transform those thoughts into new pieces that explore wonder and mystery,” she explained. Today, she brings this vision directly to the public through her own gallery.

"What I enjoy most about owning and operating my own gallery is the ability to share my creative vision directly with the community," she said. "It’s incredibly rewarding to meet collectors and art lovers face-to-face."

Regarding her transition to full-time artistry, Cat explained the dedication required: "The most significant challenge… was finding the courage to invest in myself. In the first few years, I probably worked every waking moment; when I wasn’t creating art, I was searching for places to show my pieces, using social media to connect with customers, and developing relationships within my local art community, all while working a full-time job. It took a tremendous amount of time and dedication to build enough of a customer base and consistent paid work to finally leave my full-time job and become a full-time artist."

Life in Savannah and Future Goals

Cat lives in Savannah, Georgia, with her husband, who is also a SCAD graduate and artist. She describes Savannah as having a large, supportive art community while maintaining a small-town feel. Outside of painting, she loves to read and pursue fiber arts, including knitting, crocheting, and embroidery, and is an active member of the Savannah Fibers Guild. 

Looking ahead, her creative goals are to continue expanding her fine art collections and exploring new techniques within her watercolor collage process. For her gallery, she aims to contribute to the creative community in Savannah through events and workshops, and plans to travel to more markets and shows along the East Coast to connect with new audiences.

Advice for Aspiring Artists

Cat's advice for current American Heritage students who want to become full-time working artists is practical and firm: "Figure out what product you’re making and who your ideal client is. Knowing your audience helps you decide which shows or open calls to apply to and where to focus your efforts. Your energy is a finite resource, so protect it and use it wisely."

She added a final word of wisdom: "My most important piece of advice... is to stay curious and keep creating. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or validation from others. Start where you are and keep learning. Every project, success, or setback will teach you something valuable. Dedication and persistence matter far more than instant success."

Cat Johnston Floyd continues to contribute to the creative community in Savannah and is expected to be at the AHS Holiday Bazaar in December.