About
Artist's Biography
Artist at age 10. Circa 1980s.
Art has always been an important part of my life. From an early age, I had an affinity for drawing and painting that was my primary focus throughout my school years. Recognizing my talent, my parents enrolled me at the age of 8 into private classes with a local artist where I learned basic painting techniques using different mediums and tools. These lessons provided me the confidence to pursue more art training throughout my secondary education.
Upon graduation from high school, I attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where I expanded my artistic talents into digital art and computers. This launched me into to a decade long career in marketing and design specializing in print, email, and web development.
In 2017, my family and I relocated to Seattle, Washington. Inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, I opened my own studio with a focus on pet portraits and nature art.
Kristen Wickersham, owner / artist / designer
Artist Statement
My work is critical to supporting the passions in my life: animals, art and nature. It is important for me to preserve the essence, beauty and moments in time through creative endeavors.
This belief can be best exemplified from my favorite quote from Saint Hildegard of Bingen:
“There is nothing in creation in which does not have some radiance, either greenness or seeds or flowers or beauty…”
awards
2024 - Honorable Mention, Blue Koi Gallery - Back to Nature Contest for “Wolf in the Fall”
2018 - Finalist, ART Room Contemporary Online Gallery - Drawing Art Exhibition for “Zelda the Cat” & “Anne”
upcoming & current shows
2024 - Participant, Graphite on Graphite Show (Juried), Graphite, Edmonds, WA. March 15 - May 4, 2024
past shows
2023 - Participant, 6 x 6 NW Art Show, ShoreLake Arts, Shoreline, WA
2019 - Vendor/Participant, Fresh Paint Festival (Juried), Schack Art Center, Everett, WA
2019 - Vendor/Participant, Alki Art Fair (Juried), Seattle, WA
2019 - Participant, Gallery North Small Works (Juried), Edmonds, WA
2019 - Participant, Schack Art Center, Pets on Parade (Juried), Everett, WA
2018 - Participant, Gallery North Small Works (Juried), Edmonds, WA
2018 - Participant, Art Muse Contest (Juried), Emerging Artists Category (March)
memberships
2022-Present Volunteer, ShoreLake Arts
2017-2019 Member, Phinney Neighborhood Association
2018-2020 Member, Artist Trust
Education
Milan Art Institute, Mastery Program, Current Student
Seattle Artists League, Continuing Education
Columbus College of Art & Design, Continuing Education
Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Visual Communications, Graduate
DeVry University, Computer Science, Graduate