Molly Cranch was born in Nashville, Tennessee and was raised in St. Louis, Missouri.  She began painting and drawing at a young age.

Molly graduated with a BFA in painting from Washington University in St. Louis in 1994.  Upon moving to Chicago in late 1994, she continued to paint and develop a personal body of work.  Her first solo gallery showing took place at ARC women’s cooperative gallery in 1995.  Subsequent exhibition highlights include an exhibit at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Bucktown Arts Fest, the Evanston Art Center, and a first-prize honor from Kelleher Gallery in Galway, Ireland.  In 2003 she was selected to participate in an artist’s residency at the Stonehouse Residency for Contemporary Art in Miramonte, California.

Molly balances her life as an artist with teaching children.  In 1998 she received her K-12 art certification from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  For the last 10 years, she has taught in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, art museums and institutions.  Places of note include the Chicago Public Schools, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Hyde Park Art Center, and the Evanston Art Center.  During the years 2000-2001, Molly was fortunate to teach for a year at The American School of Madrid in Spain.  This experience allowed her to learn a new language, travel, and visit art museums all over Europe.  Currently she teaches in a wonderful, PK-6 community school on the southside of Chicago.

Perhaps the most inspirational element in Molly's life is her family.  She continues to paint out of her home studio, gaining inspiration and support from her son, two stepsons, and husband.