Kelly Yarbrough

Kelly Yarbrough is an artist based in Manhattan, Kansas. Her practice is rooted in an ecosystem that includes mixed media drawing, arts administration and creating meaningful opportunities for humans to engage with their environment. She enjoys unexpected collaborations, transdisciplinary conversations, and continual learning. Kelly founded the Tallgrass Artist Residency in 2016 which hosts artists from a range of prairie places in the rural community of Matfield Green, she is an Artist INC peer facilitator, a Konza Prairie docent, a TEDx Austin College presenter, and a 2023 PLAYA Wildfire + Water resident.”

Kelly exhibits work primarily as a visual artist, exploring place and identity with a special emphasis on rural prairies and grasslands. Her bodies of work range from mixed media drawings representing intimate views of landscape to figurative paintings depicting localized activities and customs. In addition to exhibiting work, Kelly often works with organizations in more programmatic roles such as educator, curator, collaborator, organizer and facilitator. These programs could take the form of one-time workshops or larger, extended projects.

• Exhibits: Travel and/or shipping reimbursement, lodging and food stipend (if applicable)
• Presentations up to one hour: $300 + travel reimbursement
• Workshops or specially designed programs: Starting at $500** + supplies + travel **Fees will be customized depending on the duration/frequency of the program and the required design and prep time. For an example of a larger and specific place-based commissioned project, see Kelly’s “Burn Ball” project on her website https://www.kellyyarbrough.com/burn-ball-20232024

An artist talk or topical presentation is most common. Workshop examples include observational drawing, basic papermaking, using natural inks, and watercolor methods. Other examples of educational activities include wildflower identification, nature sketchbook and journaling, and edible wild plants in Kansas.

Most educational activities listed above can be adapted to include wider participation as a community activity. Guided walks and outdoor classrooms offer great opportunities for people to engage. Curating and moderating discussions with local stakeholders is another example of community activity that Kelly offers.

Kelly Yarbrough CV