C J Collins grew up in Oklahoma, a descendant of Irish pioneer settlers who came in covered wagons to the rich farmlands. Untutored, she drew the subjects and natural elements of the dramatic Plains landscape until she began her study of art at the University of Texas in Austin. She moved to California in the late 60’s and completed her fine arts degree at Santa Barbara Art Institute under the tutorship of James Jarvaise and Matsumi Kanemitsu. She toured Europe's great cities and museums in 1976, also visiting New York City for the first time. A chance meeting with Jack Tworkov, a visiting lecturer at UCSB, inspired her to move to New York City. The following year, in an old warehouse space in the Tribeca area of lower Manhattan, she established her studio where she lives and works.

EDUCATION:
BFA Painting & Drawing, 1972; Santa Barbara Art Institute; Santa Barbara, CA.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS:
2009 - Acento Gallery, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. (grp)
2009 - Fresh Asphalt, Gallery SATORI, NYC (grp)
2009 - h p g r p Gallery New York
2009 – SCOPE Art Fair, NYC
2008 – Dan Devening Projects + Editions, Chicago, “Paper Love” (grp)
2007 – h p g r p Gallery New York
2007 - Gensler Architects, NYC
2005 - Sideshow, “War Is Over” Williamsburg, NY grp
2004 - Abstract Identity, Pelham Art Center, Pelham, NY grp
2001 - Small Works, New York University grp
1999 - Household Event, the Georgian House, Limerick, Ireland
1998 - Franklinfest Open Studio, NYC
1997 - Alicia Torres Gallery, NYC
1996 - Stephan Gang Gallery, NYC
1995 - 479 Gallery, NYC 1994
1994 - Amos Eno Gallery, NYC
1993 - Bachelier-Cardonsky Gallery, Kent, CT
1993 - NY University, 80 East Galleries, NY
1987 - Univ. So. Florida, Tampa: "Humanism-An Undercurrent."
1983 - Roger Litz Gallery, NY
1982 - Roger Litz Gallery, NY
1982 - The Inst.for Art & Urban Resources, Inc., PS 1, LIC, NY
1981 - NY University, 80 East Galleries, NY
1981 - New York State Creative Artists Service Program, NYC
1980 - Nancy Lurie Gallery, Chicago
1979 - Nancy Lurie Gallery, Chicago