Kelli Scott Kelley’s work is comprised of mixed -media narrative paintings, drawings and objects. Kelley’s MFA is from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. In her work subconscious worlds, populated by hybrid beings, are woven into dreamlike tales. Figures, animals, and objects appear in metaphorical narratives which explore humankind’s connections, disconnections and impact upon the natural world. Her work as been exhibited both nationally and internationally at museums and galleries, including solo exhibitions at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Bradbury Art Museum, The Masur Museum of Art, Micholson Museum of Art, and the LSU Museum of Art. Kelley authored a book featuring her narrative artwork entitled Accalia and the Swamp Monster in 2014, published by LSU Press. She received an ATLAS (Awards to LA Artists and Scholars) grant for the project. Kelley’s work is featured in the permanent collections of the Hall Art Foundation, LSU Museum of Art, Tyler Museum of Art, the Hilliard Museum of Art, the Alexandria Museum of Art, the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Special Collections, and the Eugenia Summer Gallery. Kelley’s work is represented in New Orleans by Spillman Blackwell Fine Art, and she is a long-time artist member of Baton Rouge Gallery. Kelley is part of a three-woman art collective, Luminous Lookout, which formed in 2019. Using representational imagery, their work visualizes narratives to inspire social dialogue and critique. They’ve had exhibits in Texas, South Carolina and Louisiana. Kelley is a Professor of Painting at LSU.
