M E Klesse

M. E. Klesse is a multi-sensorial artist based in Rockport, Texas, whose work has been exhibited internationally in cities including New York, London, Rome, Ontario, and many additional US major cities. Several of their pieces are part of permanent museum collections. Born in New Jersey, Klesse holds degrees in Philosophy from Rutgers University, as well as in Nursing and Management. Their professional background as a registered nurse and decades of volunteer work with alternatively advantaged individuals have deeply informed their understanding of the human psyche. This insight is further enriched by formal art studies at The Pratt Institute and the New York Studio School. Klesse's artistic practice encompasses oil, cold wax, and encaustic painting, along with tactile works in sculpture and assemblage. They create 'artwork-clusters', multi-sensory installations that integrate visual, tactile, and auditory elements, to engage viewers in dialogues about psychological trauma, survival, and the societal issues that contribute to these experiences.

Studied at NYSS
Pratt Institute SSPFA
Texas A&M MS
Rutgers University BA
Howard College ADN

2026- Salon Show with Artist Talk Magazine- One Art Space- Tribeca NYC
2025- Salon Spectacular- K-Space Contemporary- Corpus Christi, TX
2025- International Encaustic Arts Exhibition- Cooperstown, NY
2025 YICCA International Contest of Contemporary Art, Participant- Venice, Italy
​​2025- small group, members- San Antonio Art League and Museum- S.A. TX
2025- 1st Place- Expressions, Art Center Corpus Christi, TX
2025- Marfa Invitational- social media blitz
2024-Canadian Encaustic Conference- Ontario Canada
2024- South Texas Art League- Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi, TX
2024- Museum of Encaustic Art- museum acquisition-Cerillios NM
2024- Off The Walls- Arts Southeast- Savannah GA
2024- Beeville Museum of Arts- Texas Artists Exhibition- TX
2024- Global Warming is Real- Encaustic Arts Institute- NM
2023- 1st place- Dimensions National- Art Center of Corpus Christi
2023- Global Warming- Museum of Encaustic Art
2023- Texas Artists- Beeville Museum of Art
2023: Bronze Award- Global Painting Conclave
2022- 56th Annual National Drawing and Small Sculpture Show- Del Mar College
2022- Boomer Gallery- London Bridge Tower, Tooley St. United Kingdom
2022- Spring 2022 -SVAC Manchester VT
2022-Malamegi Art Lab- Rome Italy
2022- Best in Show...