Born in the Midwest, and raised in Winnetka Illinois, Gail Kolflat earned a BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York City. Her artistic career blossomed after developing a signature style of large-scale colorful canvases that melded abstract and representational principles.

Through the 1990s, Gail exhibited frequently, gave artist talks and demonstrations, wrote a column for the county art council's bimonthly newspaper, and maintained a robust studio practice.

At the turn of the century, Kolflat took a 15-year break from art while raising her daughters. In 2013, an invitation from a local university to exhibit in their new two-story art gallery sparked a complete revival in the artist’s practice. Since then, she has produced a new body of work, a renewal of earlier work but evolved - encompassing new themes, modified techniques, and a distinct, mature sensibility. Her recent works portray a bold use of space and color, with themes of social commentary.