Susan Kathleen was a devoted artist and student who took every opportunity to learn from master artists and skilled experts to develop her own talent. Her favorite workshops were at the Beartooth School of Wildlife Art in Big Timber, Montana, where she studied with many nationally known wildlife artists.

In early 2003 the memorial fund was granted 501(c)(3) status and became the Susan Kathleen Black Foundation, Inc. Its mission is to continue to fund art education for a broad range of art programs throughout the nation, while giving artists of all ages the opportunity to develop their skills and achieve their goals as artists.