Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Kelley Jr.
Hi Frank, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Grew up in a rural area in north Louisiana. There weren’t any artist to speak of in the area. I did not have art in elementary or high school. With God and the sacrifice of my parents, Frank and Earlean Kelley, I was blessed to have the opportunity to finish college in 1985 with a degree in Fine Art and a minor in Business Management at Grambling State University, Grambling, LA. After college, I worked in sales at a luxury car dealership for fifteen years, working 6 days a week from AM-7PM.
Even though I had a full-time job working as a car salesman, I was very dedicated about my art. My wife of 36 years would wake me up at 10:00 PM to get up to paint at least 3 nights a week and on Saturdays. My goal was to develop my skills, earn my place in the art world, and establish myself financially to pursue an art career. It wasn’t until anxiety attacks started and doctors didn’t have an answer that I knew that was a confirmation from God for me to give up the automobile business to fully pursue a career as an artist. Additional, I felt there was another incredible confirmation that lead me to leave the automobile business and pursue my career as an artist. Arts and Antiques Magazine featured me alone as an Emerging Artist with national and international collectors in a special edition in 2000. With that motivation and the constant intuition within me, I then pursued art full-time. Opportunities such as contacts with major collectors, galleries, museums, magazines, newspapers, TV Interviews, General Motors Minority Dealers Association, Movie Director-Suzanne DePasse, Former Governor of Louisiana- Kathleen Blanco, and Senator Mary Landrieu were soon afforded to me. My work was exhibited in the Color Purple Exhibition, Black Movie Awards, Jazz & Blues Foundation Shows, and more.
As an artist, I love creating art. One way that I give back to youth is through art.
I created a Youth Arts Initiative Program and Geometrics Through the Arts Program, which still exists today. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to have worked with over fifteen hundred youth in cities across the United States. I focus on math, reading, public speaking, collaboration, communication skills, social skills, leadership skills, and mental health through visualization in this program. In 2011, I created an Educational Arts Initiative Program, Inc. which is a nonprofit organization collaborating with other nonprofits such as Boys & Girls Clubs, schools, and community centers. Basically, this program was created to expose local students to art.
I have owned my art gallery, FKJ Art Gallery/Studio, West Monroe, LA, for 7 years. Housed there are over one hundred paintings. I have provided 7 free summer internships and have mentored 15 participants. I am a motivational speaker, and consultant at colleges and universities as well. I am heavily involved in my community by empowering youth and persons in organizations including Sickle Cell Anemia, Cancer Research, domestic violence, bullying, elderly care, and the church as well as through the programs that I have personally created.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There has been some challenges along the way, but the sacrifices have been worthwhile. The struggles were getting the right people and/or resources to support my vision and career. From my perspective, most people view art as a hobby and not a career. As a creative individual, it is challenging for me to understand that viewpoint; however, it motivates me to help the public broaden their understanding of collecting fine art.
Thanks for sharing that. You could tell us more about your work.
First, I am thankful to God that He has allowed me to create paintings that make a difference in the life of people. With God being acknowledged first, I am a full-time professional artist, as well as a gallery owner, motivational speaker, youth program art director, and nonprofit executive. I’m very appreciative of the many awards that I have received also. I can’t say that anything sets me apart from other artists, but I’m true to my work which means it is spiritual, personal, passionate, and emotional to me.
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
What matters most to me can be noted in this order: God, my wife, family, and friends, with God being the head of my life. Without God, I am nothing. My wife is my rock. I know I can depend on her. Family is my support as well. Friends, my unconditional friends, are an extension of who I am. Art is my understanding of who I am.
Pricing:
- Original Abstract paintings run from 300-18,000.00
- Original Landscapes 3,000.00-25,000.00
- Original portraits 8,000.00-20,000.00
- Abstract-Portraits 5,000.00- 15,000.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.frankkelleyjr.com
- Instagram: @frankkelleyjr
Image Credits
Artist Frank Kelley Jr.
