Shayna Kelley
“I would rather die of passion than of boredom.”
– Vincent van Gogh
“Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist.”
– Pablo Picasso
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
– Aristotle
“To create one’s own world takes courage.”
– Georgia O’Keeffe
My Story
Hello! I am the owner of the Fifth Element Art Gallery, and I love to paint. I discovered my love for art in high school when I took a beginner level oil painting class with the coolest teacher ever, Mr. Wolf. I then attended the Chicago Academy for the Arts downtown Chicago my junior year of high school. I continued to study fine arts at Elmhurst College, and at Naropa University in Boulder, CO.
All you need to know about me is that I love to travel, hugs fill my heart with love, and dogs are my best friends. If you come to visit my art gallery during the day, you can meet my doggo Honey Bunny:)
But if you want to know more about me... ;)
When I graduated college with a Bachelors in Art, I found myself stumbling through life trying to figure out how to make a living with my degree. Ever since I was a little girl, I always had discussions with my parents about us running our own business. I was not looking forward to a traditional 9-5 job that no one seemed to love. And sure enough, thats what I found myself doing for the past 10 years. I kept my passion alive by working extra part time art jobs, teaching night painting classes at the Elmhurst Art Museum, and teaching K-5 after school drawing classes. I was lucky enough to find some artsy warehouse jobs. I went on to become a professional Christmas decorator in Chicago and the burbs. I also became an embroidery warehouse manager and taught yoga classes at night. But my heart wanted more.
So once covid hit, my parents and I seized the day, and we bought a building downtown Tomahawk, WI. My parents are running Sideways Wine & Craft beer, something that they love, and I am running the art gallery above their bar. I love teaching yoga and painting classes, so I set up a small cozy room next to my gallery to teach small classes! I feel so beyond blessed that I get to make my dreams come true! Thank you for visiting my website and for supporting my business! Show love spread love <3
Artist Statement
My mind can be overwhelmed with thoughts of the past and future. When I create my art, I breathe out my thoughts, and breathe in what I see. That is how I see magic. The sparkles in the air and on the ground. The iridescent pastels in the clouds. The dramatic high contrast shadows. And the movement within stillness.
Painting everyday people in their present moment was my main interest, but after moving to Tomahawk Wisconsin, my interest evolved into capturing the beautiful North Woods landscapes. Surrounded by nature, all of my senses heightened, honing me deeper into the BE. HERE. NOW. meditative state of mind. Painting with brighter colors and using less controlled brush strokes shows my emotions of feeling excited and nervous starting a new life.
My purpose is to discover hidden magic in this world, which is constantly evolving and changing, both within myself and everywhere around me. I paint to heal, for myself and others.
Love Always,
Shayna Kelley
Contact
Please give me a call if you have any questions about the gallery, or how to sign up for classes. At the top you can click on the Classes tab, and there you will see all the classes I offer and you can either pay online or in person. You can also go to the Shop tab to purchase artwork online!
Below there are links to The Fifth Element Art Gallery facebook page, instagram page, and snapchat.