Local art gallery’s and studios’ art is becoming more available for locals to shop for and enjoy. Some of the art is owned by our own former university students.
Former university art student Kelly Levine Musser and her mother Kathy Levine recently opened up their own local studio and gallery KLM studio + gallery. KLM studio + gallery is located at 235 Girod St. near the Mandeville bike trace and lakefront.
KLM currently offers works made of watercolor, acrylics and photography along with accepting commissions.
Open most days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the store is home to both Musser and Levine’s original work.
Musser and Levine are both self-taught artists whose driven passion is the arts.
“Kathy developed multiple sclerosis which destroyed her athletic lifestyle and love of playing tennis,” said Musser. “Due to her inability to withstand the Louisiana heat, she started to paint and quickly realized her affinity for acrylic.”
Levine prefers to work with a palette knife to create bold colors with intense texture. She works in a contemporary impressionistic art style.
“Her paintings make beautiful additions to any home or business,” said Musser.
Soon after becoming a mother, Musser found a deeper appreciation for creating art. While she had always liked to doodle illustrations as a young child, she did not find the confidence to sell her work until after she had decorated her son’s room with her character drawings such as Winnie the Pooh. After the room was finished, she had decided that making art was something she could not live without.
Musser’s preferred medium is watercolor, due to the clean look and texture of the paint. She also works with portrait photography inspired by the colorful landscapes and surroundings of Louisiana.
While a university student, Musser participated in several art classes.
“At Southeastern, I took a few art classes including screen printing, which was my favorite,” said Musser. “The professors there were helpful and there was a wide variety of art classes to choose from.”
KLM will soon hold classes for children who are interested in watercolor and will post details to their Facebook page.
If you would like more information on KLM studio + gallery or are interested in events, visit their website at klmstudioandgallery.com or like them on Facebook.