Kenneth Cotlar, originally from in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; earned a BFA from Penn State University in 1969. He worked as a graphic design artist in Philadelphia for several years before moving to Ebensburg, Cambria County to partner with his wife in business. He freelanced graphic design projects for various regional businesses as well as visual merchandising and advertising art. During the last three decades he painted sporadically, selling his works selectively. Since retiring from business in early 2001, he has returned to full time painting after graduate work at Indiana University of PA. His award winning paintings have been exhibited in numerous juried shows, one man exhibits, art festivals and are held in private collections throughout the United States.