We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kate Kelleher a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kate, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

Very recently, in September 2024, Hurricane Helene arrived in Asheville, North Carolina and destroyed the entire River Arts District along with many other area of homes and businesses in Western North Carolina and the region. I had my artwork at that time in two well known galleries: the Foundation Studious and Artplay. Both were flooded by the river and destroyed.
This was a situation that although was built upon the River area, had not occurred in over hundreds of years to this degree or in recorded history. They used to do tours that discussed the Great Flood of 1916, and this far surpassed it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I actually kind of “fell into” art, unlike most. I had a full time job in social services after having gotten a degree in Exercise Science and Physiology and actually graduating at the top of my class. But a year or so into having a job in work with foster kids and kids in therapeutic environments, I was hospitalized myself and lost my job, after which time I found it really hard to find a new position. However, I started to do art and photography on the side as a way to stay sane, and it really saved me. People started asking if they could pay me for my art, and it just took off from there.

I now take pride in providing excellent custom servicers for clients at reasonable prices and making art accessible to almost everyone. I often team up with local nonprofits to raise money for say animal rescues and such and it gives more meaning to my work. I love doing my own inspirations, but am more than happy to do custom work that brings a smile or tear to someone in a meaningful way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

After the floods from Hurricane Helene have taken most of my art and my gallery from me, I just plan to keep creating. I plan to continue to volunteer in the murky waters and mud and ruble of the River Arts District of Asheville and dig up and rescue anything of anyone’s that might be salvageable, and be willing to let go of that which is not. I am willing to accept that what I had is now gone, and to let it go. I learned this lesson not only from Helene, but from being a survivor of Katrina as a teenager. It’s a harsh reminder of our impermanence, as people who create are to outlive ourselves, but we have to accept it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is getting to get in touch with my inner workings and my soul reason for being and expressing what I think and feel and connecting with other in this way. I am somewhat introverted and awkward, and I don’t believe I could have felt the same connections I have felt on such a deep level with other as I have been able to do with my artwork. I love even commissioned pieces that feel less creative yet can be very meaningful to the person for whom they were ordered to connect with the memory of that pet or person and see that emotional reaction.

Also it’s nice that you can have like paint-stained athletic pants out in public and do weird things no one thinks twice because “she’s an artist, don’t mind her.”

Contact Info:

• Website: Http://FollowTheArtStrings.weebly.com
• Instagram: @Kelleher_Kate_Art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katie.kelleher.712