Kelly Lyles

Kelly Lyles had her first Seattle exhibition in Pioneer Square in 1982 at The Prints and The Pauper and has since planted deep-roots in the community. Her representational (and often humorous) paintings are regularly on view – ranging from punny views of animals crossed with ‘all-American’ products like Mice-A-Roni, Benson & Hedgehogs, and Star-Ducks Coffee, to watercolors of historical and mythological figures.

Kelly’s flamboyant persona and attention-getting ArtCars are staples at First Thursday and art events around the city. She considers her embellished vehicles “rolling canvases, the ultimate public art”. Perhaps you have seen the Excessories Odd-yssey, a Honda van covered with women’s fashion accessories (jewelry, purses, shoes, belts, sunglasses and more) on the road or at the Seattle ArtCar Blowout, which she founded and has produced for the past 25 years. Kelly has led 5 art delegations/tours al over the world (China, Eastern Europe, South Africa, Cuba twice, and soon Croatia.)

And yes, there is more… Kelly also extends her considerable talents and adventurous spirit to organizations such as the Fremont Arts Council, SIFF, multiple local theaters, Bellevue College, and Artist Trust! Kelly has been a longtime member, donor, and volunteer. But perhaps she is best known for her massive email list, to which she forwards visual arts information and opportunities – keeping us all in the loop.