Upcoming Show/Final Show in DC:
Tuesday, May 21st, 6-10pm
"AVE ATQUE VALE"
I will be moving to Key West at the end of May,
please stop by if you are around!
MOVA Lounge DC
2204 14th Street, NW
rsvp- kreg@ kregdkelley.com
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Recent Works:
"Elizabeth Defeating the Spanish Armada" Acrylic, Ink, Pastel, Antique Parts (Beads, Lace, Velvet) of a Mourning Dress c.1850s, Antique from c.1892, Antique Boat Models from c.1950s, Leather, Metal on Canvas, 48 x 60 x 4"
"Munit Haec et Altera Vincit (One Defends & the Other Conquers)" Acrylic, Ink, Pastel, Antique from c.1855, Real Flowers & Butterflies, Antique Piano Parts from c.1898, Antique Clock Parts from the mid-1800s, Paper Mache on Canvas with Glossy Glaze, 48 x 48 x 2.5" (Sold)
“Tempus Omnia Sed Memorias Privat (Time Deprives All But Memories)” Acrylic, Ink, Pastel, Antique Engravings & Lithographs from the 1700s & 1800s, Antique Clock Faces from the c.1890s, Real Butterflies, on Canvas, 30 x 40 x 3"
“Tempus Fugit (Time Flies)”
Acrylic, Ink, Pastel, Face from c.1840’s, Antique Sheet Music from c. 1878, Real Butterflies, Antique Clock Parts/Hands from the late 1800s & Early 20th Century, Antique Skeleton Keys from the late 1800s, w/ Glossy Glaze on Canvas, 60 x 48 x 5"
“Eurydice, the Nymph” Acrylic, Ink, Pastel, Antique Sheet Music from c.1877, Piano Parts from c.1898, Real Butterflies & Flowers, Antique Victorian Tintype of 3 Women from c.1888, Antique Clock Face from c.1882, on Canvas with Glossy Glaze, 40 x 30 x 3" (Sold)
"Natura, Artis Magistra (Nature, the Mistress of Art)" Acrylic, Ink, Paper Mache, Wood, Antique Sheet Music from c.1879 & c.1861, Antique Piano Parts from the late 1800s, Real Flowers, Real Butterflies, with Glossy Glaze on Canvas, 24 x 36" (Sold)
"Night in the City Series Washington, DC : 4th of July" Acrylic, Ink, Pastel, Antique Sheet Music from c.1876, Paper Mache, Real Flowers, Wood, on Canvas with Glossy Glaze, 48 x 36 x 2.75" SOLD
"Homage to Magritte" Acrylic, Ink, Pastel, Antique Watch Face from c. 1894 (Eye), Antique Sheet Music from c.1881, Wood, Real Butterflies & Flowers on Canvas with Glossy Glaze, 18 x 24"
SOLD
"Argus" Acrylic, Ink, Antique Playing Cards from the c.1950s, Sheet Music from c.1867, Antique Metal Spur from the early 1800s, Antique Slave-Trade Porcelin Beads from the late 18th century, Paper Mache, 24 x 30 x 3" on Canvas w/ Glossy Glaze
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Borderstan Interview, 2012:
Kreg D. Kelley came to DC from Connecticut to study political science at George Washington University and pursue a career in politics. Before graduation, he changed his goals and decided he “wanted to do something … I loved, something I would want to do for the rest of … my life. For Kelley, that “something” was art. Before he graduated, Kelley left George Washington to take a job at Galerie Lareuse in Georgetown, “an opportunity … I couldn’t refuse.”
That opportunity turned into a long career, and Kelley now works as a curator at the gallery. He considers himself lucky to be “constantly surrounded by the greatest artists ever” and feels “motivated and inspired” everyday. As he works on restoring the pieces, he relishes the chance to touch and examine their details so intimately. He remembers handling the only etching Vincent van Gogh ever made: “It was the first time ever in my life I was speechless. I was in awe.”
Like many of the great masters whose work he handles on a daily basis, Kelley finds inspiration from his neighborhood and city. Kelley has lived in the neighborhood for almost 10 years and has enjoyed being a part of its growth and change.“Lautrec is the best example,” he says, of the way he incorporates the creative influences of his surroundings in his own work. “I have the best view from my apartment.” A view, he adds, that he painted in "Night in the City Series: Washington DC,” the 2010 ACLU National Calendar Contest Winner. His greatest source of inspiration continues to be his audience. “People’s reaction has been my biggest fuel to keep on creating,” he explains. Although he has works across the nation, many of his pieces hang in the Borderstan area. “My first paintings, works of canvases, are all on the same five- or ten-block radius. That makes me feel welcomed and supported by my community. It makes me feel honored and motivates me to keep making people happy.”
Kelley’s commitment to charity underscores his connection to the community. He was “hugely involved” with charity work as a student — when he was unable to donate money to charity as a young artist, he donated works instead. “It’s hugely important to give back to your community, especially when you have your own business and you can be in a position to give back. I’m fortunate to do that.” This year, he has transitioned from donating single works of art to splitting a set percentage of all proceeds among four charities.
Most of all, Kelley says he loves “knowing that I can make people happy, touch peoples’ lives, and know that what I’ve done is going to be enjoyed… long after I’m around.” He sees art as “a way to give back to the world and make the world a better place to live in. You have to do what you love…. When you do what you love, everything else falls together.”
