Introduction
Clyde J. Kell Art Works is a contemporary visual arts enterprise based in the Midwest United States. The organization is dedicated to the creation, curation, and promotion of mixed media art that explores themes of environmental change, urban resilience, and social identity. Founded in 1998 by artist Clyde J. Kell, the studio has evolved into a collaborative platform that supports both emerging and established artists through residencies, exhibitions, and community outreach programs.
Over the past two decades, Clyde J. Kell Art Works has maintained a reputation for integrating traditional painting techniques with innovative digital processes. The studio’s portfolio includes large-scale installations, site-specific murals, and interactive multimedia projects that have been featured in regional galleries, international biennials, and public spaces. The organization operates under a non‑profit model, relying on grants, donations, and earned income from commissioned works to fund its activities.
The studio’s mission statement emphasizes the role of art as a catalyst for public dialogue and environmental stewardship. By providing artists with resources and platforms to experiment with new media, Clyde J. Kell Art Works contributes to the cultural vitality of the Midwest while engaging audiences on critical contemporary issues.
History and Founding
Early Years (1995‑1998)
Clyde J. Kell, a painter born in 1972 in Omaha, Nebraska, completed a B.F.A. in Studio Art from the University of Iowa in 1994. During his graduate studies, Kell developed a keen interest in ecological themes and began experimenting with mixed media assemblages that incorporated found natural materials. His early work attracted attention from local art patrons, prompting him to consider establishing a dedicated space for artistic production and exhibition.
In 1998, Kell secured a small studio in a former warehouse on the outskirts of Des Moines. The space, renamed Clyde J. Kell Art Works, became a hub for artists who shared Kell’s interest in blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary environmental concerns. The inaugural exhibition, titled “Nature Reclaimed,” showcased over twenty pieces that incorporated bark, moss, and recycled pigments.
Institutional Growth (2000‑2005)
The turn of the millennium marked a period of significant expansion for the studio. In 2001, the organization obtained 501(c)(3) non‑profit status, enabling it to receive tax‑deductible donations and apply for federal and state arts grants. This formal recognition facilitated the acquisition of new equipment, including a digital imaging suite and a laser cutter, broadening the studio’s technical capabilities.
During this era, the studio launched its first artist residency program, offering six-month fellowships to local artists. The residency model fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and increased the studio’s visibility in the regional arts network. By 2003, Clyde J. Kell Art Works had hosted over 30 artists, many of whom later achieved national recognition.
Community Engagement (2006‑2010)
Between 2006 and 2010, the studio intensified its outreach initiatives. In 2007, it partnered with the Des Moines Public Library to host a series of public workshops that taught mixed media techniques to children and adults. The program, named “Art for All Seasons,” reached more than 2,000 participants over its first three years.
Simultaneously, the studio curated a citywide mural project in 2008 that transformed abandoned storefronts into environmental art statements. The project, funded by a partnership with the city's Department of Cultural Affairs, attracted media coverage and stimulated discussions about urban regeneration and ecological responsibility.
Recent Developments (2011‑Present)
In the past decade, Clyde J. Kell Art Works has embraced digital platforms for broader audience engagement. The studio’s website launched in 2012, featuring an online gallery and an educational portal that offers tutorials on mixed media techniques. Additionally, the organization adopted a sliding scale pricing model for commissioned works to ensure accessibility for artists with limited financial resources.
2020 marked the opening of a second studio space in Omaha, which includes a gallery, a small theater for performance art, and a dedicated digital lab. The new location has increased the organization’s capacity to host simultaneous exhibitions and collaborative projects, further cementing its role as a regional cultural institution.
Artistic Vision and Themes
Environmental Narratives
Clyde J. Kell Art Works centers its creative output around environmental narratives that highlight the dynamic relationship between human society and natural ecosystems. The studio’s body of work frequently addresses issues such as climate change, habitat loss, and the cultural significance of water resources. By incorporating locally sourced materials - such as river sediment, reclaimed wood, and algae - artists at the studio create tangible connections to ecological themes.
Urban Resilience
Parallel to its ecological focus, the organization examines the concept of urban resilience through the lens of art. The studio’s projects often explore how cities adapt to environmental pressures, including flooding, heat islands, and infrastructure decay. Artists employ a mix of media, from large-scale murals that depict flood narratives to interactive installations that simulate the impacts of extreme weather on urban landscapes.
Social Identity and Memory
Another recurring motif in the studio’s output is the examination of social identity and collective memory. Through portraiture, landscape studies, and community‑collaborative projects, artists investigate how place and history shape individual and collective identities. These works often juxtapose archival photographs with contemporary imagery, creating dialogue between past and present.
Mediums and Techniques
Mixed Media Assemblage
Mixed media assemblage remains the foundational technique at Clyde J. Kell Art Works. Artists combine oil, acrylic, and watercolor with non‑traditional materials such as dried leaves, metal fragments, and digital prints. This approach allows for complex textural layers that evoke sensory experiences related to the subjects being depicted.
Digital Imaging and Projection
Since the acquisition of digital equipment in 2001, the studio has incorporated digital imaging into its creative process. Artists create high‑resolution scans of physical artworks, manipulate them in graphic software, and then project the resulting images onto various surfaces. These projections are often synchronized with soundscapes to enhance immersive experiences.
Laser Cutting and Fabrication
The laser cutter, introduced in 2003, expands the studio’s fabrication capabilities. Artists use the machine to cut intricate designs into wood, acrylic, and other materials, producing components that can be assembled into three‑dimensional installations or incorporated into mixed media works. Laser cutting allows for precision and repetition, facilitating the creation of complex patterns that reflect ecological motifs.
Interactive Installations
Interactive installations are a hallmark of contemporary exhibitions at the studio. By integrating motion sensors, touch panels, and responsive lighting, artists invite viewers to become participants in the artwork. These installations often explore environmental concepts, such as the effects of human interaction on ecosystems, and aim to foster experiential learning.
Notable Works and Projects
“River Stories” (2005)
“River Stories” is a series of mixed media canvases that depict the historical and contemporary conditions of the Missouri River. The series incorporates river sediments, photographs of riverbank communities, and handwritten narratives from local residents. The work was exhibited in the 2006 Midwest Biennial and received a regional arts award for its community engagement.
“Heat Island” Installation (2011)
“Heat Island” is a large‑scale installation that simulates the thermal dynamics of urban environments during summer months. Using thermochromic pigments and embedded heating elements, the installation visually represents temperature variations across a cityscape. The piece was displayed at the 2012 Urban Futures Festival and prompted discussions about sustainable city planning.
“Memory Mosaic” (2014)
“Memory Mosaic” is a collaborative project involving 50 community members from Omaha. Each participant contributed a small photograph or artifact that reflected their personal connection to the city. The studio assembled these contributions into a mosaic that is displayed in a public park. The project highlights the role of collective memory in shaping cultural identity.
“Water Cycle” Interactive Exhibit (2018)
“Water Cycle” is an interactive digital exhibit that tracks precipitation data from the Midwest in real time. Visitors can interact with the exhibit via touch screens that display live updates on rainfall, evaporation, and water flow. The exhibit was featured in the 2019 Environmental Education Conference and received commendation for its innovative use of technology.
Urban Canvas” Series (2021‑Present)
“Urban Canvas” is a series of murals created in partnership with local businesses and community centers. The murals integrate city maps, environmental data, and narratives from residents. As of 2024, the series spans ten different neighborhoods and has become a landmark in the city’s cultural landscape.
Exhibitions and Public Engagement
Major Gallery Shows
Over the years, Clyde J. Kell Art Works has hosted numerous gallery exhibitions that have drawn national attention. Notable shows include “Reclaimed Horizons” (2003), “Urban Resonance” (2009), and “Ecological Echoes” (2016). These exhibitions have been featured in leading art magazines and have attracted visitors from across the United States.
Biennials and Festivals
The studio regularly participates in biennials and festivals that focus on environmental and urban themes. The organization’s works have been included in the Midwest Biennial (2006, 2010), the Urban Futures Festival (2012, 2018), and the Environmental Arts Expo (2019). These participations have bolstered the studio’s reputation as a key contributor to contemporary discourse on sustainability.
Public Art Initiatives
Public art has become an integral component of the studio’s outreach strategy. In 2008, the “Cityscape” mural project revitalized a series of vacant storefronts across Des Moines, transforming them into artistic statements on ecological responsibility. The project was later expanded to include a citywide public art trail that connects parks, schools, and community centers.
Workshops and Educational Programs
The studio’s educational outreach includes workshops for all age groups. The “Art for All Seasons” series, launched in 2007, teaches mixed media techniques and environmental awareness to community members. Additionally, the studio offers a semester‑long course in digital fabrication for local college students, providing hands‑on experience with laser cutting and 3D printing technologies.
Collections and Archives
Permanent Collection
Clyde J. Kell Art Works maintains a permanent collection of over 500 artworks spanning painting, sculpture, and installation. The collection is housed in the studio’s primary gallery space and is accessible to researchers, students, and the general public. The studio’s acquisition policy prioritizes works that align with its ecological and social themes.
Digital Archive
Since 2012, the studio has curated a digital archive that documents the evolution of its projects and artist residencies. The archive includes high‑resolution images, video recordings, artist statements, and technical documentation. It serves as a resource for scholars and artists seeking inspiration from the studio’s historical body of work.
Collaborative Collections
Collaborations with local museums and universities have expanded the studio’s archival reach. For example, a joint exhibition with the Midwestern Museum of Art in 2015 featured a rotating collection of environmental artworks that were digitized and shared across both institutions. These partnerships facilitate cross‑institutional research and public access.
Critical Reception and Scholarly Analysis
Art Critics
Art critics have frequently praised Clyde J. Kell Art Works for its thoughtful integration of environmental concerns and artistic innovation. Reviews in national publications have highlighted the studio’s capacity to translate complex ecological data into accessible visual narratives. Critics have also noted the studio’s commitment to community engagement as a model for contemporary art practice.
Academic Studies
Scholars in environmental humanities have examined the studio’s work as a case study in eco‑art and urban resilience. A 2014 doctoral dissertation analyzed the use of mixed media in “River Stories” as a form of ecological storytelling. A 2019 journal article investigated the studio’s participatory approach in the “Memory Mosaic” project, emphasizing its role in community identity formation.
Public Perception
Public opinion surveys conducted by the studio’s outreach department indicate high levels of appreciation for the studio’s public art installations. Over 80% of survey respondents reported increased environmental awareness after visiting the studio’s murals. The data suggests that the studio’s initiatives effectively bridge art and environmental education.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Local Economy
The studio’s operations contribute to the local economy through employment, procurement of materials, and tourism. Since its inception, the studio has supported over 300 artists, curators, and technicians. In 2018, the studio’s annual budget was approximately $1.2 million, with 45% of the funds allocated to local vendors and suppliers.
Cultural Tourism
The studio’s public art trail and rotating exhibitions have become attractions for cultural tourists visiting the Midwest. Visitor statistics from the city tourism board indicate a 12% increase in art‑related tourism during the 2019–2020 period, attributable in part to the studio’s high‑profile exhibitions.
Educational Influence
Through its workshops and residency programs, the studio fosters skill development among artists and students. The studio’s training modules have been adopted by several regional art schools, enhancing curricula in mixed media and digital fabrication. The impact extends to the broader artistic community, which benefits from the diffusion of technical expertise.
Governance and Organizational Structure
Board of Directors
The board of directors comprises seven individuals, including artists, educators, and community leaders. Board members oversee strategic planning, financial stewardship, and program evaluation. The board meets quarterly to review operational performance and ensure alignment with the studio’s mission.
Staff Roles
In addition to board members, the studio employs a small full‑time staff. The director of operations manages day‑to‑day activities; the curator oversees exhibitions; the education coordinator develops workshops; and the technical lead maintains digital and fabrication equipment. Part‑time positions are filled by artists and interns who contribute to specific projects.
Funding Sources
Funding is diversified across grants, donations, earned income, and sponsorships. Major grants include support from the National Endowment for the Arts (2002, 2013), state arts councils, and foundations focused on environmental arts. Earned income from sales, workshop fees, and rental agreements with local businesses supplement grant revenues. Major donors have contributed a total of $2.5 million since 2010.
Future Directions and Upcoming Projects
“Green Grid” (2025)
“Green Grid” is an upcoming large‑scale installation that explores renewable energy integration in urban environments. The project will utilize solar‑powered LED arrays to simulate power consumption patterns across a cityscape. The installation is slated for the 2025 Midwest Eco‑Art Conference.
International Collaborations
The studio plans to collaborate with European eco‑art collectives to develop a cross‑continental series of environmental artworks. These collaborations aim to share methodologies and broaden the studio’s international footprint.
Digital Platform Expansion
Expanding the digital platform, the studio intends to launch an online exhibition gallery that streams live interactive installations. The platform will serve as a virtual extension of the studio’s public engagement programs, allowing remote audiences to experience the works.
Conclusion
Since its establishment in 1998, Clyde J. Kell Art Works has evolved into a multifaceted institution that intertwines artistic creativity with ecological and social activism. Its diverse media, community‑centered projects, and critical acclaim have positioned the studio as a leading force in contemporary eco‑art and urban cultural discourse. The organization’s continued commitment to education, community engagement, and sustainable practice ensures that it remains at the forefront of art‑driven environmental advocacy.
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