John Allen Kelly,
Painter

Growing up in a tough working class environment I was encouraged to find a job, any kind of job at a very young age. I left school early and developed skills as a carpenter which allowed me to travel extensively. I returned to School in my late 20's to study my passion Art at the University of Montana then Portland State University where I received my BS in Art in 2003. Having always used art as a way to deal with personal issues I wanted to share the power of the healing process with others so I went on to study Art Therapy at South Western College receiving a Masters in 2005. Living in SE Portland I continue to share the power of the creative process through group art therapy sessions I hold once a month. My Art is an expression of culture, passion with fun colorful figurative images and familiar cityscapes.