Judith Ernst Cherry received her bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University in Indiana and her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

For her, each painting is a process. Her observations, then alterations, of the world around her lead to intricately detailed trompe l'oeil paintings. Influenced by the work of 19th-century trompe l'oeil painters Will Harnett and John Peto, Cherry's paintings reflect the historical "trick the eye" realism of the trompe l'oeil genre, often with a touch of humor.

Cherry has exhibited her work regionally and nationally in group and solo exhibitions, winning numerous awards. She has exhibited in solo shows at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney; the Quincy Arts Center in Quincy, Illinois; Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska; and Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas.

Her solo exhibit in New York City made The New York Times' gallery recommendations for August 2003. In addition to solo and group exhibitions, Cherry's work has been featured in galleries, museums and corporate and private collections in California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Tennessee and Wyoming.

The artist also teaches at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.