Bio
Kelly Kelly, born in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1979, is an distinguished abstract painter based in Vancouver, WA. She received a BA in Integrative Arts from Pennsylvania State University and creates minimalistic geometric paintings that evoke peace and healing.
Initially focusing on abstract landscapes that addressed environmental destruction, her style has evolved to become more abstract. By depicting interference patterns in waves, her art explores the quantum physics concept that the universe is a continuous field of interconnected vibrations.
Her creative process is slow and meditative. She begins with thin layers of fluid paint that drip down the canvas, reminiscent of water trickling down cave walls and forming mineral deposits. Using a matte medium, she creates transparent layers that reveal glimpses of the underpainting. Her works are recognized for their minimalistic geometric compositions, distinct color palettes, and freehand overlapping lines that enhance its organic feel.
Kelly’s work has been exhibited at the 2012 Tacoma Art Museum’s 10th Northwest Biennial, the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, WA in 2010, McKenzie & Cross, and the Sara Nightingale Gallery. Her art is included in the collections of Swedish Hospital, Novo Nordisk, and Westin Hotels. She has participated in the 2011 SIM Residency in Reykjavik, Iceland, and the Art in the Embassy’s program in Doha, Qatar. She has received significant accolades including a 2009 professional development grant from RACC and a 2010 Fellowship from the Oregon Arts Commission.
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BORN: 1979, Pittsburgh, PA
EDUCATION: 2001 Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
BA, Integrative Arts
EXHIBITIONS (* Solo Shows)
2023 Fort Vancouver Library, Vancouver, WA Guardio Gallery, Portland, OR
2022
Anstine Gallery, Vancouver, WA
2021
Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR
Cafe Mingo, Portland, OR
Simon Brietbard .Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA
2018
Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR
Recycled Rain Project, Portland, OR
2016
Alexis Hotel, Seattle, WA
2015
Sara Nightingale Gallery, “Reinventing the Helm,”, Water Mill, NY
Sara Nightingale Gallery, “Entitled”, Water Mill, NY
McKenzie and Cross, “Summer Group Show”, Washington, D.C.
2014
*East Side Commerce Center, “Solo Show”, Portland, OR
University of Portland, “Coal, Not in any Backyard”, Portland, OR
2013
Cascade Aids Project, Art Auction, Portland, OR
Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR
Stephanie Breitbard Fine Art, Mill Valley, CA
2012
Tacoma Art Museum, 10th NW Biennial, Tacoma, WA
Lake Eden Arts Festival, Black Mountain College, Black Mountain, NC
2011
SIM Gallery, Group Exhibition, Reykjavik, Iceland
Guardio Gallery, Portland, OR
Seattle Art Museum Rental Gallery, “Earth Matters”, Seattle, WA
2010
Seattle Art Museum Rental Gallery, “Introductions 2010”, Seattle, WA
2009
Museum of North West Art, “Representing Abstraction”, La Conner, WA Lucia Douglas Gallery, 10×10” Group Exhibit, Bellingham, WA
Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR
2008
*Café Verite, Seattle, WA
*Tyson Gallery, Portland, OR
Howden Art, Oregon City, OR
L’une Gallery, Manzanita, OR
2007
Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR
Christoff Gallery, Seattle, WA
Brian Markie Gallery, Portland, OR
2006
*Montinore Estates, Dilly, OR
Art & The Environment Benefit, P.E.A.C., Portland, OR
*Moxie, Portland, OR
Portland Open Studios, Portland, OR
2005
Talisman Gallery, Portland, OR
Art & The Environment Benefit, P.E.A.C., Portland, OR
2004
Art One Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
2003
*Boyce Thompson Gallery, Superior, AZ
COLLECTIONS
Novo Nordisk, Plainsboro, New Jersey
Westin Hotel, Dallas, Texas
General Hospital Acute Care, San Francisco, California
Columbia Towers Club, Seattle, Washington
Swedish Hospital, Mill Creek, Washington
Swedish Hospital, Redmond, Washington
U.S. Embassy, Doha, Qatar
Westin Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio
COMMISSIONS
2017 Aaron Draplin 2011 Katherine Sasaki
2010 Ann Garibaldi
Kristin Watkins
2009 Mural, Burien Arts, Burien, WA
AWARDS
2011 SIM Residency, Reykjavik, Iceland
2010 Oregon Arts Commission, Fellowship
2009 Professional Development Grant, Regional Arts and Cultural Council
PROFESSIONAL 2007-2010 - Portland Open Studios, Board President 2019 - 2023 - Artstra, Vice-Chair 2022-2023 - Anstine Gallery, Curator