ABOUT
Hello there!
I’m Kay, a recent Summa Cum Laude graduate of Messiah University with a B.A. in Studio Art concentrating in 2-dimensional studies and minors in Business Administration and Music. Tightly rendered painting is my primary process, but I also carry expertise in drawing, graphic design, sewing, and experience in scenic art for theatre. Through my college classes I have also gained experience in sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, stone carving, welding, printmaking, making artist’s books, marketing, and classical singing. In terms of subject matter, I am interested in portraiture, the interplay of architecture and lighting, and finding ways that I can incorporate senses of drama, spectacle, and mystery into a painting.
I love combining things in my artwork, whether that be various mediums or processes, combining the ideas of art and craft, or incorporating my interests in other subjects into my artwork. I am a hard-working, detail-oriented, and organized person, which translates to high-quality work and reliability in terms of meeting deadlines and communicating well. I love creating and ultimately want to use my skills and interests to serve others, make a positive impact on the world around me, and share impactful stories through the Arts.
Artist’s Statement
The arts have a transformative power, both in the making and in the experiencing. I believe that “good art” says something, with that “something” being about anything from process or material to society or history and beyond. Art can act as an escape from the cares of the world by allowing viewers a moment to simply focus on beauty, or by providing a story with which to distract one’s thoughts. Alternatively, art can bring attention to the cares of the world by offering different viewpoints, calling to attention things that may otherwise go unnoticed, and calling for change. Through my art I hope to accomplish some of these objectives by making viewers think, or by simply having them reflect on beauty and intricacy in the world.
My artwork usually starts in the sketchbook and develops from there through many hours of work with various materials. My process and resulting work is characterized by diligence, color, faithfulness, precision, and perseverance. I make art because this is where my passions and gifts lie, but also in reflection of my Creator. Art is a means for me to process and respond to the beauty and meticulous design of God’s creation. Creating art as an act of remembering and appreciating helps me take time to value and reflect on aspects of life that I do not want to overlook or lose due to forgetfulness, busyness, or distraction.
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art
Messiah University | Class of 2026
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2-Dimensional concentration
- Studio courses: Color & Composition, Drawing I; Form, Space, & Media; Digital Imaging, Painting I, Figure Drawing, Carving & Construction, Clay: Wheel-Thrown Forms, Typography, Intaglio Printmaking, Graphic Design & Professional Practices, Senior Studio, Painting II, Senior Exhibition
Exhibitions, Publications, and Awards
Fall 2026 | Carlson Gallery at Quarryville Library
2 drawings accepted for exhibition:
Grandmom (2025) and
Molly (2025)
Summer 2026 | Messiah University Aughinbaugh Gallery
3 pieces accepted into Juried Student Exhibition:
Portrait of Grandmom (2025), Portrait of Grandpop (2025),
Maker’s Hand (2025)
Spring 2026 | Messiah University Peregrine Review Magazine
2 pieces accepted for publication:
Portrait of Grandmom (2025), Messiah University Covered Bridge (2025)
Spring 2026 | Messiah University Aughinbaugh Gallery
B.A. Studio Art Senior Exhibition:
Threads of Influence, Threads of Care (2026)
Spring 2026 | Messiah University Steinbrecher Atrium
Painting II class exhibition:
Car Reflection (2026)
Fall 2025 | Messiah University Concert Choir
Design submission selected for music department shirts
Fall 2024 | Yellow Magazine
2 drawings commissioned for and featured in student- published magazine:
Lemonade (2024) and City Sunset (2024)
Summer 2024 | Messiah University Aughinbaugh Gallery
4 pieces accepted into Juried Student Exhibition:
Artist’s Quilt (2023), Death of a Disco Dancer (2023),
Cropping of ‘Woman with a Glove’ (2023), The Outdoors Soap (2024)
Summer 2023 | Messiah University Glass Gallery
Form, Space, & Media class exhibition
Summer 2022 | Oxford Arts Alliance
Solo exhibition in Emerging Artist’s Gallery
Art Scholarship Recipient
Commissions
Summer 2026 | Logo design
Love & Leche Lactation
Summer 2026 | Raystown Lake & Boats 5” x 7” plein air oil painting
Private Client
Summer 2025 | “Trip Around the World” Mural
MCC Material Resources Center, Ephrata, PA
Summer 2024 | Raystown Lake & Boat 8” x 10” plein air oil painting
Private Client
Summer 2024 | Logo design
Hurry & Goodspeed Farm
Fall 2023 | Acrylic painting on 26” Round Sawblade
Private Client