Born December 12, 1977 in Chicago, Il, Peter T. Proctor was brought up in Kansas, the second of three sons born to Freda (Organist and Assistant Professor of Music, University of St. Mary, Leavenworth, KS) and Rev. Wallace Proctor (Senior Pastor, Leawood United Methodist Church).
Peter earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (2002) from Baker University in Baldwin City, KS. In addition to completing degree requirements, Peter extensively studied drawing, painting, sculpture, and received multiple awards for his accomplishments as editorial cartoonist of the Baker Orange (college newspaper). It was also at Baker where Peter met his wife Jennifer Proctor (Physician Assistant, PA-C, University of Kansas Medical Center). Peter currently lives in the Kansas City area where he and his wife are rearing their two children, Benjamin and Sarah.
Peter started his teaching career in Wichita, Kansas where he instructed Social Studies and Science to 6th graders at Colemann Middle School and Stucky Middle School. He was also able to develop and lead an art club for students enrolled in the YMCA After School Program. After relocating to Kansas City, he taught 6th grade Science for six years at Louisburg Middle School in Louisburg, KS while continuing to develop and produce his own original artwork for children.
Peter’s career met with change in 2010 when he was contracted to illustrate the award-winning book, “Wallie Exercises” by Steve Ettinger (Active Spud Press). The personal fulfillment of creating artwork for a children’s book, and the family decision for him to become a stay-at-home father, eventually led him to retire from teaching and to pursue a career in art. He has enjoyed the privilege of giving presentations to area schools detailing the creation and process of picture bookmaking – helping to fill the “teaching void” created since leaving the classroom.
In 2011, Peter launched into the realm of fine art, completing his first commissioned oil portrait for a family in Kansas City. He participated in the 2011 Stems Plein Air Paint event and looks forward to entering both local and national painting events in the near future.
