Artist's Statement

Anna T. Kelly was born in China and grew up on the island of Taiwan. For as long as she can remember, she was attracted by the visual arts. She received her bachelor of science degree in textile engineering. After finishing college, she worked in fabric design and began training in fine arts in the studios of Professor J.Y. Chen and Professor Lee Teh. She also learned Chinese painting under Professor H.N. Au.

In 1975, she came to the United States. Whenever the opportunity arose, she pursued her artistic interests. She studied art at Pasadena City College, and, beginning in 1995, took part in a comprehensive fine arts curriculum at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. She studied under Richard Lees during 2001-2003, and continues to participate in various courses and workshops offered by Chinese and American masters including Zhou Shuqiao, Jove Wang, John Budicin and Kathryn Stats.

In 2004, her work was selected for Allied Artist of America’s annual exhibition at the National Club in New York; the California Art Club’s exhibit at the New Our Lady of the Angeles Cathedral in Los Angeles, and the Oil Painters of America’s regional show in Portland, OR. In 2005, Anna was included in plein air competitions in both Carmel and San Luis Obispo as well as OPA's regional show in Santa Barbara. In 2006, she won the best portrait in 91st Annual Exhibit of Pasadena Society of Artists, and an honorable Mention in the “Spring comes to White Gallery” show. In 2007 she participated the 38th Palm Springs Fine Art Museum’s Annual show, 96th Annual CAC Gold Medal Exhibition at Pasadena Museum of California Art, “Contemporary Master Exhibition” in Pasadena Museum of History, and the American Artists Professional League 79th National juried Exhibition at Salmagundi Club in New York.

Anna is an Artist Member of the California Art Club, a member of Oil Painters of America, and the Pasadena Society of Artists. In addition to many local art shows, her recent juried regional and national exhibits include:

• 2005 Annual National Open Exhibition, Allied Artists of America, New York City
• 2005 80th Annual Show, Pasadena Society of Artists, Burbank, CA
• 2005 Carmel Annual Plein Air Painting Exhibiiton, Carmel, CA
• 2005 Regional Show, Oil Painters of America, Santa Barbara, CA
• 2005 Annual Plein Air Competition, San Luis Obispo, CA
• 2005 -2006 Affaire in the Garden, Beverly Hills, CA
• 2006 91st Annual Show, Pasadena Society of Artists, Sherman Oaks, CA. Best Portrait Award.
• 2006 Pasadena Society of Artists Spring Show, White's Gallery, Montrose, CA. Honorable Mention
• 2007 California Art Club 96th Annual Gold Medal Show, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Pasadena CA
• 2007 Spring Duo, Segil Fine Art Source. Monrovia, CA
• 2007 Anna T. Kelly Solo Show, Brenart Cafe Gallery, Old Pasadena, CA
• 2007 38th Annual National Juried Competition, Palm Springs Fine Art Museum, Palm Springs, CA
• 2007 Contemporary Masters, Artistic Eden. Pasadena Museum of History, Pasadena, CA
• 2007 Seventy-Ninth Grand National Exhibition, American Artists Professional League, Salmagundi Club, New York City
• 2008 San Gabriel Mission Art Exhibit and Contest, San Gabriel, CA (Best in Show and Best Portrait Awards)