Meet Kenia

Kenia LaMarr

Being surrounded by family members who are artists in their own right, I found my love for creating art at a young age. I sketched clothes and portraits of women I found ideal as a child. My formal training at a performing arts school in my hometown of Dayton, OH, influenced me to create healing, process art through portraiture present day.

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My portraits are vibrant and colorful, rarely using the traditional ideas of skin color; to explore the beliefs of identity and normative views to convey the concept of self while contradicting conventional notions of race. The creation process of my art is healing for me. I hope it is for the viewers; even if that feeling is momentary. As a black portraitist, I desire to create dialogue around the layers of humanity and strive to gain a more profound perception of humankind.

 

I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Arts Policy and Administration at The Ohio State University, building upon her Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs with a specialization in Public Leadership, Management, and Policy. With a background that includes a congressional internship and engagement in political activism, I also contribute significantly to my local community as an artist.

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As a committed community art activist, My focuses my efforts on leveraging creative expression for community healing. My contributions span various initiatives, including serving as an artist in residence at the Grange Audubon Insurance Center and Sanctuary Night, a shelter supporting women at risk of sex exploitation. Notably, within the neighborhood of Linden, I spearheaded The Coloring Linden Project, aimed at fostering creativity, enhancing community aesthetics, and uplifting my community through art. My professional and artistic passions align with advocating for the integration of creative spaces and arts into urban infrastructure, particularly within underserved communities, advocating for their recognition and support in city planning efforts.

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Please inquire if you would like to connect about partnerships, commissions, individual and group workshops.

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