I am me. . . Artistic adventures of a girl from Nebraska.
Kelli Sweet -Artist & Creative Coordinator
Have you ever looked up at the sky and tried to find a picture in the clouds? Or sat by the ocean and just listened to the waves crashing against the rocks? Lingered in a piazza and watched the people going by? Life is a journey of self-awareness. You may never truly figure it out, but the challenge is in trying. And I am definitely willing to give it a try.
In my artistic endeavors I love to explore color, texture, patterns and history with beautiful vintage or vintage inspired treasures. I love to learn and experiment to see what might, or might not happen. Sometimes it works and sometimes I simply enjoy the problem solving moments in my studio.
I grew up in the small farm town of Fullerton, Nebraska (#smallpond) and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska receiving a Bachelor of Arts in History and Art. Following my undergraduate degree I attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha where I received an Master of Arts in American History with a minor in Art History. It was in college where I more fully started my journey of travel and exploration through trips to Italy & France and an amazing year as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in Cork, Ireland. I continue to travel as my budget and allotted corporate vacation days allow.
I was fortunate to have supportive parents who didn’t flip out when I informed them that I wanted to be an art major. And I am even more fortunate to have an encouraging husband who has created dedicated space in our home just for me. (Added bonus, he LOVES to travel & explore too!)
I love to connect people and lift them up creatively. I started the Hibernate & Create 31 Days of Creativity Challenge in 2016 as a way to not only motivate myself, but to bring creatives together. It has blossomed into an amazing group of support from around the U.S., Canada & Mexico. I truly cherish this group and am proud of what we can accomplish when we work together. The group inspired me to host my first Hibernate & Create RETREAT in January 2018 in Omaha at the Hot Shops Art Center. It was an amazing experience with old and new friends! And it is only the beginning.
I live in LaVista, Nebraska with Drew the husband and Milo the tabby cat (follow his adventures on Instagram @ squeaky_milo) I am a member of the Midwest Lampworkers Guild (no . . . we don’t make lamps, we work in glass and all things bead related) and the Omaha Modern Quilt Guild. My works can be purchased online via Facebook & Instagram posts, my Website (by clicking shop) or at The Attic in downtown Valley, Nebraska. I also take a limited number of custom orders.
AND . . . I am beyond giddy to be joining the Hot Shops Art Center this June! I’ll be taking up residence in Studio #317 on the 3rd floor. This will be a space to create, teach, connect and share my creative delights and vintage finds. I can’t wait to welcome you to downtown Omaha, Nebraska! The Hot Shops is at 1301 Nicholas St.
I have more ideas then I have time. Don’t we all!
Ciao bella!
Kelli
Follow me on social media! Facebook and Instagram are my favorite! @degreesbykelli
Where to next? Oh, the travel possibilities are endless!