"Messages in Mixed Media is an assembly of some of the many ways that Kymberly Henson makes art . . . and makes art that serves a purpose: meeting either her need to communicate about current events and cultural conditions or her need to express her personal emotions. Though you will note that Kymberly favors a specific color palette, her materials and techniques and messages are definitely varied. Read her artist’s statement and bio, her rationale for the Rage into Ravens series, and the Rumi poem that inspired a shadow box."   -Barbara Moss, Exhibitions Chair

**There will be a reception to honor Kymberly Henson and to officially open her exhibit, Messages in Mixed Media on Sunday February 24 from 2-4 pm at the Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati at 4870 Gray Road in Spring Grove Village.**

Kymberly Henson

Artist Bio:

Sometimes words fail me in life. But if my tongue is tied, I consider myself lucky to have the ability to express myself through art.

I have been working in the arts for over 30 years. After graduating with an art degree from Edgecliff College, I owned and operated a wearable art studio, producing one of a kind and limited edition hand-painted and shibori clothing. My textiles have been featured in exhibits throughout the United States and I spend many years traveling and selling my work at craft fairs. After my daughter was born, I saw a need to change my focus and I also changed mediums. I have spent many years creating bodies of work that tell the stories of the abused, the powerless, and the invisible. These issues are central to me and I hope to bring some light to them by making objects that are beautiful and rich with meaning.

Whatever medium I am using, my artwork is typically triggered by deep emotion. That's my starting point. From there, a color, or a spectrum of colors, takes root. I love, love, love color. It's part of what gets me up in the morning and is a key part of everything I create, wear, and surround myself with. Once I have the seed of an idea and start to see color, I look for materials that will help to bring my idea to fruition. The rest is like solving a puzzle. Each stroke I paint, or object I place, reverberates and builds, until I see the finish line. Sometimes the process goes quickly. Sometimes it takes years. And that's a good metaphor for life. Attempting to solve puzzles and sticking with it until one sees a solution. The puzzle of emotion, of conflict, of good and evil, of cruelty where there should be kindness. Big ideas that can be looked at one little piece at a time.