Kelli Washington
Education
2014│ MPS, Business of Art & Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD
2012│ BFA, Photography, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Awards: 44th Mom's Day Scholastic Achievement Award
Phi Sigma Theta National Honors Society
41st Mom's Day Scholastic Achievement Award
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2017│ Advanced Light Source, Photography Show
The Belmont by Reside, Chicago, Illinois
Selected Group Exhibitions
2020│Moment to Moment, Mixed Media Show
Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, CA
2019│Keep it Fresh!, Mixed Media Show
Angel City Brewery, Los Angeles, CA
2018│Summer Salon, Mixed Media Show
Art Share - L.A., Los Angeles, CA
Chicago Blooming, Photography Show
Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois
Slideshow: December 2018, Digital Media Show
Roman Susan Annex, Chicago, Illinois
2017│ Slideshow: September 2017, Digital Media Show
Roman Susan Annex, Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Blooming, Photography Show
Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois
2016│ Slideshow: October 2016, Digital Media Show
Roman Susan Annex, Chicago, Illinois
CHASHAMA Gala Honoring Dustin Yellin - "The Beauty of The Form," Mixed Media Show
4 Times Square, New York, New York
Art in Motion, Mixed Media Show
Northwestern University's Lurie Center, Chicago, Illinois
Photo Noir, Digital Media Show
Gallery 217, Champaign, Illinois
2015│ Slideshow: December 2015, Digital Media Show
Roman Susan Annex, Chicago, Illinois
Reflections of Black Artists, Mixed Media Show
Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, Illinois
Slideshow: January 2015, Digital Media Show
Roman Susan Annex, Chicago, Illinois
2012│ In the Midst of Distraction, Photography Thesis Show
El Toro, Champaign, Illinois
BFA Senior Exhibition, BFA Senior Thesis Show
Krannert Art Museum, Champaign, Illinois
TITANTIC, Undergraduate Photography Show
Link Gallery, Champaign, Illinois
2011│ Portraits with Ben Aqua, Social Project
Figure One Gallery, Champaign, IL
{Collective}, Undergraduate Photography Show
Link Gallery, Champaign, IL
2009│ PHOTOS, Undergraduate Photography Show
Link Gallery, Champaign, IL
Foundations, Foundation Exhibition Show
Link Gallery, Champaign, IL
Artist Collaborations
2016│This Type Love
Publications
2023│In The Paint Artist and Grantee Gallery | Los Angeles Lakers (nba.com)
2015│365 Artists 365 Days, Artist Feature
Roman Susan Annex: "Slideshow"
Reflections of Black Artists, Feature by Renee LaVerne Rose
2012│University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Fine and Applied Arts: School of Art & Design, 2012 Senior BFA Photography 2012
Recognition
2012│Photography Display in University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign’s College of Applied Health Sciences: George Huff Hall, Champaign, IL
Artist Residency
In The Paint Artist (Grantee), Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles, CA
Oct 2022 - Apr 2023:
This competitive art program was instituted in 2021 by the Lakers in collaboration with world-renowned fine artist Charly Palmer and a panel of three judges. This dynamic program strives to change the trajectory of a cohort LA-based BIPOC artists’ careers each year.
For the program’s second year, 17 local artists of color have been selected by Charly and an all-star panel of judges as Contributing Artists to create works of art to be exhibited at one or more In the Paint art exhibitions in Los Angeles in 2023, with the net proceeds benefitting the Contributing Artists and supporting the growth and development of future In the Paint initiatives. In 2022, In the Paint art exhibitions were held at the Los Angeles Lakers’ UCLA Health Training Center as well as at Band of Vice’s Sacred House.
Future Fashions Workshop Participant, Coventry University, Coventry UK
May 2012 - June 2012:
A practical session with Fashion Designer Gavin Douglas administered by Coventry University’s Art & Design program where textiles and fabrics were explored. Participated in creating projects challenging future constraints of creative design through laser cutting and digital printing. Mediums included: Photography, Design, Sculpture, and Ceramics.
Work History
Founder, Head Photographer, Kelli Washington Art & Design, Los Angeles, CA October 2014 – Present
Provides supportive photographic media for start-up and flourishing creative professionals with the goal of accentuating the beauty of the client’s talents, while also contributing to the professional representation of their overall brand. Image consulting includes evaluating, crafting, and curating visual stories in the form of product, event, and portrait photography.
Photographer, MINTED, Los Angeles, CA October 2017 – February 2019
Worked as a Contract Photographer to provide imagery for clients that was used in various forms of media such as art, marketing, E-commerce, stationery, home décor, etc. Provided in-home photography services for families that were used for Christmas cards, invitations, wedding announcements, etc. Utilized natural lighting, and travel light kits where necessary to provide efficient photographic services.
Volunteer, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL
March 2016 - September 2017
Welcomed and directed families upon their arrival to the museum for special events such as education lectures, and special exhibition openings. Assisted staff and teaching artists at creation stations, and represented the MCA at off-site events.
E-commerce/Fashion Consignment Intern, The HAUTE Spot, Chicago IL
December 2012 - June 2013
Coordinated photography shoots, and worked directly with stylist/models. Photographed product images for multiple high-end brands such as Michael Kors, Prada, Chanel etc. Backed up/archived images and managed studio scheduling. Tracked online sales while managing shipping and all customer relationships. Managed social media and marketing.
Gallery Assistant, Gallery 217 (formerly Indigo Co-Op Art Gallery), Champaign IL
Spring 2011 - Spring 2012
Aided curators and staff members with administrative and organizational tasks. Managed communication with visitors and other parties, Helped setup and breakdown exhibits, and coordinate on and off-site events. Photographed the exhibits and uploaded final edited images to gallery’s website, and multiple social media platforms.