Dancer, Fabric Artist, Teacher, Mother, Grandmother, Activist

Kate Shapinsky was born Kate Peters. Her father, Frazier Forman Peters was the son of a prominent minister at Saint Michael's Church on Amsterdam Avenue. Less is known about her mother, Kathryn Harrower Peters, except that Kate always thought of her fondly. But her mother and father divorced and not long after that, Kathryn Harrower Peters died at a young age.

The young Kate Peters went to live with her father and step-mother, her older brother Hugh and little sister Judy as well as two step-brothers and a step-sister. This family of seven barely survived the Depression but Frazier Forman Peters ultimately created beautiful stone houses, a living legacy in parts of New York and New England.

By her own measure, Kate had a troubled childhood but went on to be a modern dancer, children's performer, dance and movement teacher, movement therapist, and finally a fabric artist. For a time her "patchwork" clothes were sold at stores like Bendels, then one of New York City's most fashionable clothiers.