Welcome to the Lower School Art Gallery.  We are excited to present these amazing works by a selection of our kindergarten through sixth grade students.  Their work was judged by our guest artist, Kim Smith.   We are so thankful for her time.  Please check out the link below the gallery to explore her joyful paintings.  We hope you enjoy a leisurely scroll through the gallery below.

Kim Smith – Artist Statement

I’m filled with calm as cheery, vibrant colors radiate from my brush while the strong morning light shines on my canvas. Between running a business and raising a family, I discovered that if I rose before the sun, I could sit at my easel with a brush in hand and time would stop. Now, I complete one painting almost every day and I’m not sure how I ever lived without it.

My life in the lush countryside of my hometown is a very important part of what I do. I might see flowers at my local farmers market, a resident wild bird with a quirky expression, a beloved family pet, holiday trappings around my home, or sweet treats on the counter, and be inspired to paint. I gather everyday moments and let my intuition guide me. I want to wrap up whatever strikes me, like a beautiful gift.

My style is a mix of intention and intuition. Over time and with experience my canvases have become cleaner, colors brighter, and compositions simplified. As a trained commercial artist, my paintings are infused with the hand-crafted quality and geometry of traditional illustration. Through painting, I’ve discovered the magic that happens when colors mix and dance together in buttery oil paint.

Perhaps most importantly, painting each day gives me the opportunity to share what I learn online with an amazing community of fellow artists. I want people to feel that inspiration can be created even when it seems like there is no time in the day. If you really love doing something, I encourage you to just dive in and do it.

My goal is to create bits of happiness daily. Through my artwork, I get to spread these bits of joy, peace, and whimsey all around the world.