Mayor William M. Manzi has named Alketa (Kate) Niko as September’s Artist of the Month. Kate was born in Albania, Europe. She started painting when she was in elementary school and was soon recognized as very talented artist. She then went to art school where she specialized in artistic painting. During this time, Kate learned many skills that later helped her succeed in her art career. At the age eighteen Kate started teaching art at YMCA. She greatly enjoyed teaching art to children. Kate says that her artwork expresses dynamism and energy through rich oil, acrylic and watercolors. During summer she works as art teacher at Essex Art Center. Kate is a Methuen resident and a member of the Art Institute Group of the Merrimack Valley.

Mayor Manzi stated, “I’d like to thank Kate for her participation in this program. She is one of the many talented artists living and working in our community. It is an honor to display her artwork. I encourage people to come to my office and view her paintings.”

The Methuen Artist of the Month Program was created by Mayor Manzi over five years ago in order to give members of the Methuen Arts Community a forum to display their work and to encourage participation in Methuen’s growing creative economy. Methuen artists interested in being considered for Artist of the Month should contact the Mayor’s Office.