Katherine (Kay) Krill has been a member of the Art Association of Nantucket since May 2025, and she joined AAN’s Board of Directors in July 2025. She began painting in 2024, and enjoys creating seascapes and winter scenes.
Professionally, Kay spent her career as a business executive in the fashion industry. Prior to retiring in 2015, Kay spent 10 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ann Inc., the NYSE-listed parent company of Ann Taylor, Loft, and Lou and Grey. She also was a member of the Ann Inc. Board of Directors from 2005 to 2022. As the company’s top executive, she grew the Ann Taylor brand, launched the Loft brand and created Lou and Grey, enabling Ann Inc. to reach $2.5 billion in annual sales.
Kay also implemented the charitable initiative “Ann Cares,” which generated more than $65 million in donations for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital during her tenure as CEO.
In addition to Ann Inc., Kay has served on the Board of Directors of BCRF since 2015, and previously served on the boards of the National Retail Foundation, USA Water Polo and St. Luke’s School.
Kay holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and economics as well as an honorary doctorate from Agnes Scott College in Atlanta. She resides in Stamford, CT, and Nantucket, MA.
My art is a reflection of my love for the water…oceans,lakes and ponds. I grew up on the water in the south and live near the water in Nantucket and CT. Being close to the water has always given me tremendous energy, peace and inspiration. Every time I start to paint other scenes I steer back to a water view.
I have always been a “creative” in work and many aspects of my life…but was not encouraged to pursue art when I was younger. I had no idea how rewarding and relaxing it would be for me. “Color creation” has always been a strength of mine in my fashion career as well as art. Color is one of my favorite aspects of creating a painting.
I started painting later in life and am still learning and growing as an artist. My preferred medium is oil …as it gives me such freedom to express myself utilizing a variety of tools…palette knives, brushes, sponges, wedges and oil sticks.
Importantly, I am so honored, proud and excited to be a member of AAN and do my best to contribute my art to this wonderful community while I am continuing to grow as an artist.
