A native of Kansas City, Susan Kanaga has been a member of the Community of Jesus since 1983. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting from the Maine College of Art, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Denver and an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from Rockhurst College.
Art is Susan’s passion. Prior to returning to painting as her first love, she had diverse artistic experience. After studying in New York City and London, she has also been a professional makeup artist, a costume designer, and a florist.
Susan also studied mosaic in Ravenna, Italy, as an apprentice to Master Mosaicist Alessandra Caprara of Mosaici Antichi e Moderni, and helped fabricate the mosaic floor of the Church of the Transfiguration.
In 2004 Susan was commissioned to design a creation cycle of stone sculpture for the Atrium of the Church of the Transfiguration, including ten limestone capitals depicting the seven days of creation, and the monumental (8-ton) lintel over the main doorway, working with Master Sculptor Régis Demange.
Susan has also been represented by Rowley Gallery, Orleans, Massachusetts, and her work has been featured in exhibitions in Detroit, Michigan; Portland, Maine; Kansas City, Missouri; and Panzano in Chianti.
Susan is currently living in Lucca, Italy, while pursuing a Master’s Degree, with emphasis on abstract sacred art, studying under the direction of Dr. Filippo Rossi.