Kelly Taylor Mitchell Studio Newsletter: September

Author

Kelly Taylor Mitchell
September 13, 2024

Hi Y’all,

I am writing with good news, invitations and a warm hello. I hope this newsletter finds you on the tail end of an easy summer. I am currently on Fall semester research leave from Spelman and am happily cooking up new projects and marinating in (somewhat) slower days.

Kelly Taylor Mitchell, Fan Palm, 2024. Handmade paper, Flax base sheet, Alabama Spanish moss blow out, sequin tassel, napkin. 18x24in. 

Artist Talk: You’re Invited

Florida friends, I will be in your neck of the woods for the Visiting Artist Lecture Series at The University of Florida School of Art + Art History. If you are able, I hope you will join me for an artist talk and Q&A on Tuesday, Sept. 17th, at 6:15PM in Little Hall.

New 2024 headshot, captured by the one-and-only Nydia Blas.

Giants: Of Ourselves, For Ourselves

Come learn with us! I am thrilled to be co-teaching a month long workshop at the High Museum with my stellar Spelman colleague, photographer Nydia Blas. Join us every Wednesday at 11AM from Oct 9th-30th to contemplate constructions of selfhood and self-determination as seen in Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.

“This class […] will guide us through thoughtful examination and discussion of artworks on view in the exhibition, covering multiple mediums, styles, and themes. Week by week, we will explore the works of multigenerational Black diasporic artists, including twentieth-century legends and artists of a younger generation who are expanding the legacies of those who came before them.”

Radical Paper

I was first introduced to hand papermaking as a student at The School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, where I took my first papermaking course with artist Michelle Samour.

My paper journey makes me especially honored to be included in Radical Paper: Art and Invention with Colored Pulp, authored by Michelle Samour and Lynn Sures.

Detail of ‘Black and Blue’, 2021. Handmade cotton paper, grommets, recycled mesh, hand sewing. Featured in Radical Paper.

Detail of ‘Black and Blue’, 2021.

Atlanta Art Week

I am looking forward to sharing new work during Atlanta Art Week, on view in SITE at the Goat Farm on October 5th, doors open at 5PM. Hope to see you there...

Studio view, 2023

Also! It has been an incredible opportunity to participate in the studio residency with Midtown Alliance which is coming to a close this Fall. Join us for an artist panel on October 4rd, 5:30PM at The Museum of Design Atlanta featuring my artists-in-residence cohort.

Collection Alert!

Between Starshine & Clay a limited edition handmade paper artists’ book has joined the collection at the National Museum for Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.. A Big thank to the Georgia Committee for Women in the Arts and their generous support of this work.

Between Starshine & Clay, in production at Women’s Studio Workshop.

Summer Highlights

My heart is still in June! This summer was a dream, full of special personal milestones and extended time in Puerto Rico co-teaching with my partner mapenzi in her hometown. We taught a youth papermaking workshop: La Magia de la Fabricación de Papel during Patio Taller, a collaborative project in its 10th year that you can learn more about here. We foraged from La Conde’s Bosque Frutal and with the help of my trusty critter beater made paper from plantain, albizia, and banana fibers.

Plantain, albizia, and banana fibers paper drying.

mapenzi and I during Patio Taller at La Conde

Thank you for reading and spending some time with me here.

Warmly,

KTM