Kelly Olshan is a Brooklyn-based artist with a unique approach that blends 3D elements with traditional techniques. In addition to her artistic practice, Kelly serves as a Program Officer at the New York Foudation for the Arts (NYFA), where she helps support artists at various stages of their careers.

Here’s what we discuss :

1. Kelly’s journey as a visual artist, emphasizing that art-making is a dedicated practice and highlighting the importance of defining success in the arts.

2. The evolution of artistic practice and the significance of nurturing connections within the art world

3. Kelly’s experience with the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and how it provides essential support for artists.

About Kelly -

Kelly Olshan is a Brooklyn-based visual artist and arts manager. Her 3D paintings, installations, and public art works have been exhibited nationally, most recently in a solo public art installation at the Garment District Alliance's Space for Public Art (New York, NY). Additional solo exhibitions include Earlville Opera House (Earlville, NY), Ground Floor Contemporary (Birmingham, AL), Sean Christopher Gallery (Columbus, OH), and Tucker Cooke Gallery (Asheville, NC). Her work has been included in group exhibitions at Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos, Artist Equity Gallery, and The Yard, among others. She is currently preparing for her first solo museum show at the Long Island Children's Museum--forthcoming in January 2026.

She has been an artist in residence with Chashama (ChaNorth), and named an Emerging Leader by New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). As a reviewer, she serves as a frequent panelist for NYC Percent for Art Program and on the NYC DOT Public Art Advisory Committee. She has given artist talks and guest lectures at School of Visual Arts (SVA), Rhode Island School of Art and Design (RISD), Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, and Columbia University, among others. She currently serves as a Program Officer, Career Advice and Training at NYFA, where she manages professional development programs for artists globally.

She graduated Valedictorian from UNC Asheville with a BFA in painting, where her work is part of the University's permanent collection, and holds an MA in Arts Administration from Columbia University.

Website: kellyolshan.com

IG: @kellyolshanfineart

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