Kelly Yarbrough

Kelly Yarbrough is a Kansas-based artist and arts administrator whose work takes shape in the studio, the field, and spaces in between. Her work seeks to foster a deeper literacy of the landscapes we each call home. Her studio practice centers on large-scale, mixed media drawings that reflect an ongoing relationship with the tallgrass prairie — one of the most endangered ecosystems on Earth. Her writing and artwork have been featured in publications such as The New Territory Magazine, Contra Viento, American Poets, Kansas Leadership Center’s Journal, and Symphony of the Flint Hills Field Journal, and she has presented at TEDx Austin College.

Kelly exhibits work primarily as a visual artist, exploring place and identity with a special emphasis on 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

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.

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.