Looking at photos from my childhood, I realize I was born destined to be messy, in an art apron with paint on my face. My mother, Judith, nurtured my creative spirit which has ultimately led me through a lifelong journey of artistic endeavors. My father, Mike, showed me the courage to take on anything that stood in front of me and how to show no fear. I remember as a young child staring at a painting of a kitty playing with the pendulums hanging from a grandfather clock. It was painted by my grandmother, who now would tell you she has no artistic talent, but I know this unique spark that helped her create this painting as a young girl has ultimately been harbored through the generations of our family.
As a very young child, I would dump out a variety of items like 45’s and puzzle pieces to create “art,” creating a havoc of mess for my mother to clean up lovingly after me knowing somehow this would spawn the creativity inside me. My childhood art challenges range from my first, and probably only, coloring contest at “Showbiz Pizza,” now known as “Chuckie Cheese,” that I won at age 5 to my 4th grade reflections contest, a watercolor colored pencil drawing, representing “Where does the Sky End?” that won at the state level. In college I had a collage “Melancholy” published in a university publication, and last fall received two first place ribbons in photography and drawing and a fourth place ribbon in mixed media from the well known “Dixie Classic Fair.” These awards, opportunities and ultimately shared dreams with my mother have led me to create a unique e-commerce website that features hand-made goods by other local and regional artists.
I majored in Fine Art at UNCG with a concentration in Photography and Design; and a minor in English. I had the opportunity to go to custom framing school and open an art gallery when I was 17 and I worked my way through college working for a unique gentleman who taught me the ins and outs of photo restoration.I eventually opened my own photography, design and restoration studio and taught at Sawtooth School for Visual Art. I was later asked to accept the position of Director of Operations for Sawtooth School, which I did from May 2006 through January 2008. As this new journey ended, I decided to embark on a lifelong dream of being a self-supporting artist. I continued my photography and restoration business and was disappointed in what resources artists have to market their goods and services. My husband Vance (quite the computer guru) and I have engaged in many discussions over the years about how to use the internet as a tool to market artisan goods and services to an ever-growing population of internet users. Finally, the day came when our words became a plan and now our dream of supporting artists, including myself, has come to fruition. It is a dream to work with artists and craftsmen who are masters at their trade. We strive to provide the community with a variety of distinct products created by myself and many other artists. I am proud to be able to continue my lifelong journey in creativity and to also be able to provide opportunities to others in my field. Thank you for becoming part of our unique community and we look forward to serving your needs.
I will leave you with a quote from my husband’s favorite author, Ayn Rand; “Competition is a by-product of productive work, not its goal. A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.” We nurture artist’s that have this desire and passion in their work and we look forward to continuing to offer the most unique and distinct artisan goods and services on the web from the NC Triad area.
Thanks for taking a peek at our site and we hope you visit again soon!
Thanks,
Kathryn Kelly-Hensley
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