At the Intersection of Art and Water

When you think of water aerobics, you probably don’t associate it with any type of artistic endeavor. Unless you’re an artist like instructor Cathie Crawford.

Cathie teaches Aqua Fit each Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. “I like creating choreography that goes with the music,” says Cathie. “I like moving to the music as opposed to just doing each exercise eight times. I usually have one move or combination of moves for the verses, one for the chorus or refrain and then something different for the bridge or instrumental. The creative part is coming up with the right moves to fit the music. I use a little of everything, from Vivaldi to pop. My routines are seasonal as well. I have play lists for each holiday and season.”

Originally from New York City, Cathie returned to Illinois in the fall of 2004 after living overseas with her husband (three years in Jeddah Saudi Arabia and then three years in Grenoble France). Since completing her Master of Fine Art degree in 1987 from Bradley University, she has concentrated on the color reduction woodcut.

Her work has been included in more than 300 exhibitions, 25 solo exhibitions, 70 juried national shows and 15 international juried exhibitions since completing a BFA from The Ohio State University. Crawford has won over 35 awards at both the national and regional level. Her prints have been exhibited in 28 states as well as France, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.

While in Saudi Arabia, Cathie discovered water aerobics. When she and her husband returned to the US and settled in Peoria, she continued water aerobics classes and met Laura Kelly, a local water aerobics teacher who has taught at Pearce for many years. Laura helped Cathie earn her first water aerobics certifications in 2006, and she’s been teaching in central Illinois ever since.

“Pearce is an excellent facility for water aerobics,” explains Cathie. “Unlike other area fitness centers, I can have music at Pearce and there is plenty of chest-deep water, perfect for the class.” She also enjoys the size of her class. “It’s more fun with more people!”

Cathie’s art is currently on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. She is also hosting an open house at her home on November 18.