For over 25 years, Kelly Jo Kuchar has created multifaceted artwork celebrating the Southwest. She launched Kelly Jo Designs in Dallas, inspired by her fine art studies at SMU. Kelly Jo Designs began as a high-end, hand-made jewelry business with pieces regularly featured in Women's Wear Daily. 

 

After moving to New Mexico, Kelly focused on functional ceramic artwork for the home. She then established her niche as one of the most successful creators of high-end custom ceramic gifts in the corporate gift world. Highlights include creating commemorative vases for Ted Turner’s Goodwill Games and VIPs at the 30th Super Bowl. Starting in 2008, she created 5 exclusive collections for Nordstrom. She recently hand-painted tile murals for each recently remodeled room in the historic Santa Fe La Fonda Hotel. Kelly Jo has now won Albuquerque the Magazine’s Best Locally Made Product Award for numerous years. Her pieces can even be found in the homes of 3 US presidents.

 

Since 2013, in addition to continuing her design work, Kelly has been helping others discover their creative nature, in her Kelly Jo Designs by Wine classes. After providing art experiences for people from all walks of life, Kelly has truly been witness to the proof that there is a universal need to create.​

 

Kelly is now diving deeper into her own need to create through her one-of-a-kind paintings, utilizing a wide range of paint mediums from acrylic and oil to watercolor and India ink. Each of these creations serve as a tribute to her love of the Southwest and the amazing creatures that inhabit it. 

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Her gallery, nestled on 4th Street in the Village of Los Ranchos, is the perfect place to get a feel for her work yourself. Join us there from 10-5pm on September 21st and 22nd. 

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