Kelly Darke

Kelly Darke (b. 1973) is a Metro Detroit fiber artist. Darke creates highly textured hand embroidered abstract art using new and recycled material. She is inspired by neuroscience and art therapy. Her work with texture and color evokes a positive visceral response in the viewer. In addition to abstracts, Darke also creates hand embroidered portraits. Prior to working in fibers, Darke created abstract oil paintings with a similar focus on color, texture, and composition. After the birth of her first child, she shifted her creative practice to using fibers, a more accessible and flexible studio practice. 
Darke uses her art to develop techniques to help others find ways to create calmer, more peaceful lives. She has created and presented countless art therapy experientials that can be used as an active meditation to regulate mood. 
Darke has written on the therapeutic aspects of art for magazines, an edited book, as well as co-authored a book for art therapy professionals. Creating art and sharing the benefits of art with the community are essential to her work. 

Education
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
M.Ed. in Art Therapy, December 2009 - Thesis: What are the therapeutic characteristics of fiber art?
K-12 Arts Education Certification, July2010
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
BFA, cum laude. Concentration in painting and metals, May 1996
Arrowmont School of Art and Craft, Gatlinburg, TN. Fold Forming Metal workshop with Charles
Lewton-Brain, Sept. 1996
Parsons School of Design, New York, NY, 1991-First year core curriculum

Exhibitions
Solo Shows
2020 Kelly Darke Fine Art Embroidery, Village Arts Factory, Canton, MI
2012 Inside / Out, The Heidelberg Project Emerging Artist Program, Detroit, MI
2012 Fiber / Paintings, Art Effect Gallery, Detroit, MI
2008 Current Work, 555 Gallery, Detroit, MI

Group Shows
2020 The Faces (Virtual Art Exhibit), ART4You Gallery, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2019 Michigan Fine Arts Competition, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Birmingham, MI
2018 Artists Who Stitch, Detroit Artists Market, Detroit, MI
2017 Detroit Visionaries, The Carr Center, Detroit, MI
2015 Healing Art, Canton Village Theatre Gallery, Canton, MI
2014 Biannual All Media Exhibition, Detroit Artists Market, Detroit, MI
2015 Garden Party & Art Sale, Detroit Artists Market, Detroit, MI
2015 Memories, Live Coal Gallery, Detroit, MI
2014 Holiday Sparks, Annual Members Show, Live Coal Gallery, Detroit, MI
2014 Raveled, Live Coal Gallery, Detroit, MI
2014 Biannual All Media Exhibition, Detroit Artists Market, Detroit, MI
2013 21st Annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition, Canton Village Theatre Gallery, Canton, MI
2013 Annual Members Show, Grosse Point Art Center, Grosse Pointe, MI
2013 National Fiber Show, Grosse Pointe Art Center, Grosse Pointe...