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The Artist | Frank Kelley, Jr.
Artist Statement: By Frank Kelley, Jr.
My paintings of rural, celebrated jazz, and life experiences are reflected through my work. My paintings are viewed through the eyes of a storyteller and for others who have or feel a need to express themselves in the form of visualization. I paint old and new, today and yesterday, sorrow and happiness, struggle, hope, and togetherness and love. I have been painting for several years and traveling around the globe.
One reason I love art is because it identifies part of who we are. My style is contemporary filled with creative imagination. A song, a vision, elderly man or woman, a trip, or even a historic landmark depicts some of my creative styles. Art gives me a sense of escape, but also a belonging. I paint only what I can feel and imagine. My favorite medium is acrylic on paper or canvas. I paint several consecutive pieces at one time. In completing this kind of array, it's like being in the zone or vein. To understand this concept, you would have to be an artist. This is truly a gift from God.
About the Artist
Vibrant colors weave their way across trademark rag paper as the master storyteller creates a world in which the observer becomes a participant. The viewer transfixes himself in the story, closely relating to elements both obvious and subtle in each painting. Frank Kelley, Jr's., paintings interpret real stories motivated by true-life situations. He draws upon his deep rooted morals, spirituality, love for art and zest for life to express himself in a variety of creative, artistic styles. Born and raised in North Central Louisiana, Frank is the son of well educated, loving parents who offered him exposure to many of life's opportunities. A wholesome, pure, secure, and lively feeling is related through the use of white paint as a dominant factor and consistent theme in each Frank Kelley, Jr., painting; another Frank Kelley, Jr., trademark.
Gallery Representation:
FKJ Art Gallery
Creative Paintings by Frank Kelley, Jr.
410 N.6th St.
West Monroe, LA 71291
Email: artist1@bayou.com
Phone: 318.348.9241
Website: www.frankkelleyjr.com
D' Hopkins Denniston Gallery
5 west 10th street
Erie PA. 16501
814-455-1616
Email ddennistongallery@yahoo.com
Thelma Harris Master Art Gallery
5940 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618
Phone: 510-654-0443
Accomplishments:
2020
Charles Wright Museum of African American "Lousiana Life
Personal Collection -Detroit,MI
Ouachita Living Article(Career Artist)-Monroe,La
Aretha Franklin Portrait(Commission)Virginia
Abstract Collection(Commission)Las Vegas Nevada
Stillman College(Master's Class)Tuscaloosa,Alabama
Online Art Classes(Master's Class)
2019
Art Show Old Post Office Museum -Winnsboro,La.
One Man Show Southern University -Shreveport,La
Abstract Collection(Monroe,La)
FKJ Art Gallery(Art Show)
Dallas Museum of Art(Collector)
Grambling State University Art Show-Grambling State University
2018
Monroe Chamber Speaking engagement-Monroe,La
Stillman CollegeTuscaloosa,Alabama
Detroit,MI(Art Class)
2017
Bentley Atlanta Atlanta,Georgia
Unveiling Dr.Cynthia Warrick Portrait(Commi)Tuscaloosa,Alabama
One Man Art Show Jackson Automotive Cadillac-Detroit,MI
2016
Commissions-Arizona,Florida and Chicago
FKJ Art Gallery'Art Show-West Monroe,La
Commission painting-Memphis Tenn.
Alvin Alley Destiquished Award-Grambling State University
2015
Opening Of FKJ Art Gallery-West Monroe,La
Art Show Fiesta Nutrition-Monroe,La
Carol Robinson Art Gallery-New Orleans
Monroe Chamber of Commerce Gala-Monroe La
Commissions-Little Rock,Arkanas,Shreveport,La
2012-2014..
- One Man Show, Charles Wright African American Museum Detroit, MI August -December, 2010
- Featured along with six other artists at the Crossroads exhibit in Shreveport, LA at Meadows Museum
- Featured along with twenty-five other artists at the Color Purple exhibit in conjunction with
- The Color Purple Play in Los Angeles, CA
- Featured in The News Star Newspaper, June 29, 2008.
- Featured in Delta Style Magazine, July 2008.
- Formed a non-profit Educational Arts Initiative Program, 2007
- Featured in The News Star Newspaper, April 17, 2005, "Passion to Paint".
- Featured in Decor Magazine, December 19, 2005, " The Art in the beauty of Life".
- Listed in The American Artist Blue Book, 2005.
- Created Youth Arts Initiative Program, 2001
- Featured in Art & Antiques Magazine, November 2000, "Emerging Artist". Frank Kelley, Jr. was chosen out of numerous artists as an emerging artist to appear in Art & Antiques magazine with over 195,000 viewers and is now a professional artist.
