“Open wide the eyes of my soul that I might see good in all things.”-From Jo’s Journal
An Inspired Collaboration
For more than a year, internationally acclaimed impressionist painter Kelly Brewer, author/storyteller Beth Pride, and advocate Jill Johnson traveled Kentucky painting, interviewing, and recording the oral histories of people from all walks of life. The resulting, highly- regarded Common Wealth of Kentucky Project culminated in a powerful, multimedia art exhibition and book that captured a community of 70 people and told the Kentucky story through portrait art and narrative and oral storytelling. Inspired by Jo Robertson, artist Kelly Brewer’s mother, her deep belief in humanity and love for all people, the Common Wealth of Kentucky Project explores and reveals the richness embodied in this beautiful state, the people who live here, and the common connections we have with one another.
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People
Painted from life while they told their stories, the vibrant oil on linen portraits tell a visual story.
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Places
Captured in art, video, and words, Kentucky life in every region is collectively rich, beautiful and celebrated.
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Voices
QR code technology links to the voices of every participant as they tell part of their own stories.
Meet the Team.
Internationally acclaimed impressionist artist Kelly Brewer has painted professionally for 25 years. Painting people from life has challenged her to grow professionally and personally. Beth Pride, author and storyteller, worked in education and marketing for 25 years before moving into full time creative work. Advocate and super-connector, Jill Johnson, rounded out the team in building the trust that brought the stories forward.
Thank you LexArts.
The culmination of this year-long project where artist Kelly Brewer, writer and digital storyteller Beth Pride, and advocate Jill Johnson traveled Kentucky painting and interviewing people from all walks of life was a powerful, multimedia art exhibit and educational workshops hosted for five weeks at LexArts Gallery in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
Everyone has a story,
unique and compelling,
with different ways to share.
Through our individual voices,
the places we live,
our lasting impressions,
and the history in our eyes.
Our stories connect us
in our common humanity.
Lasting Impact
Written and sound-produced by Beth Pride with original artwork by Kentucky impressionist painter Kelly Brewer, this limited edition, 11x11 vibrant, full-color book chronicles the year-long CWKY project. The book is a unique and powerful multi-sensory experience where visual, written, and oral storytelling converge into an artful impression with a charitable purpose.Proceeds benefit the Jo B. Robertson Charitable Foundation.