Artist Highlight: Katrina Revenaugh
Our new Artist Highlight series will introduce you to the minds behind our city’s thriving art scene: read on for inspiration!
Photos courtesy of Katrina Revenaugh
Artist Katrina Revenaugh has been a mainstay in the local arts scene over the years– through the many mediums she works with, and the various local arts institutions she supports with her time and talents, she’s a local artist to know! Read on to learn more about her work, including an exciting new gallery opening at Weinberger Fine Arts:
When did you get your start in the arts?
Mine is a “better late than never story”. While I’d always made art throughout my life, I had a lengthy career in the custom printing and packaging industry. Fourteen years ago, my husband and I were transferred to Los Angeles where I was able to enroll at Otis College of Art & Design and pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a professional artist. I feel fortunate to be living that reality now in Kansas City!
What mediums do you work with?
Depending on the work, my mediums include pigment inks, acrylics, spray paint, oil pastel and gold leaf. I am a true mixed media artist combining the disciplines of photography, print making and painting to create layered mixed media works on linen, canvas or birch panel.
Which works are you most proud of?
Wow! That’s a tricky question as I always leave a piece of my heart in every work. Ones that push the boundaries of traditional art tend to make me feel like I’ve made big strides in my art practice. In 2021, I was one of eight artists selected to transform ball gowns for an immersive runway show called COALESCE: The Art of Couture. That same year, my graffiti botanical concept was chosen by Art In the Loop for the Kansas City Streetcar shelter at 19th and Main. And in 2022, HOKA athletic brand selected me to create a retail art installation as part of a nationwide spring product launch. Those three projects allowed me to work on a very grand scale in a more public art capacity. But creating custom work commissioned by collectors or seeing collectors fall in love with an existing piece always makes me the happiest and most proud!
What influences your art?
Sort of a “city mouse/country mouse” duality. While living in California, I fell in love with graffiti and street art—the color, the lines, its urban energy, and the decay. I have photographed it in 24 cities across 11 countries. That process of discovery makes me feel most connected to the heart of a city and the people who put their mark on it. I am equally drawn to gardens and spent my teen years in rural Southern Illinois developing a deep appreciation of nature and flowers. My fascination with both as led me to create an extensive visual library of graffiti and botanicals that I continue to build upon and serve as the main influence of my work.
How did you begin to make the leap from creating art for yourself to creating art to sell? Any tips for other artists trying to make that move?
Yes! Don’t be afraid to put yourself and your art out there. Apply for shows, volunteer for arts organizations and museums, answer calls for art, donate a piece of art for a cause you find worthy. Even if your work isn’t accepted, you can always reach out to mentors or curators for advice. The key is to involve yourself, be part of a greater artist community, learn from fellow artists, be supportive of others work. That helps you grow. I did all of those things upon moving back to Kansas City as a new artist and continue to do so. Those steps are crucial in having your work seen, enjoyed and collected.
You've got a new show coming up at the Weinberger Gallery- can you tell us about it?
Thank you! Very excited for the debut of these works that have been nearly a year in the making! Unexpected Blooms is a sensory journey. A fusion of art and nature. The rawness of graffiti and the delicate beauty of botanical forms. With each piece, I hope to create a harmonious dialogue between the organic and the urban- capturing the essence of nature's resilience and the grit street art in an unexpected way.
Using Belgian linen and thrifted chambray, I wove together these materials and various mediums to create a tactile and multi-dimensional experience through abstract interpretations of graffiti and hand cut floral shapes. The use of traditional 2D techniques infused with contemporary abstraction allowed me to express the inherent complexities and layers found in street art the natural world. Among the works are 3D wall hangings that represent a re-wilding of my art practice. Unexpected Blooms debuts on Thursday, August 10 and runs through August 29 at Weinberger Fine Art.
You're also co-chairing the Kemper Gala this year. ArtSmash is the concept for the theme. Can you tell us about that?
As a long-time supporter of Kemper Museum, I am honored to be co-chairing the Annual Gala. Being an artist, I know first-hand the vital role the museum plays in welcoming diverse communities through FREE dynamic, accessible exhibitions and programming including school tours, artist talks, workshops, concerts, performances in partnership with other institutions, and more. The meaning behind ArtSmash is the convergence of art and ideas, people and place, philanthropy and fashion. It’s a unique event that brings us together in support of Kemper Museum’s impactful experiences and the art of our time. AND it’s the best party of the year— no big speeches or auctions—just brilliant cuisine, music, dancing, and entertainment. The dress code for the evening is a “smash up” of black and white, a study of contrast and creativity where the color of the night will shine through our two featured artists and event design.
What else do you love about being part of the KC art community? And what are the challenges?
One big challenge I see is connecting with audiences living far south or far north of the greater Kansas City area who might not want to drive into town for art events. We need more ways to reach those folks where they live. What I love most about the Kansas City art community is its resources for artists at all levels of their careers. I find it to be engaging and supportive. Compared to other cities, KC is sustainable for creatives—a great place to live and create that keeps getting better and better!
You can follow Katrina’s work on Instagram at @krmixedmedia, and take a more comprehensive look at her body of work on her website.
Stay tuned for more excellent artist highlights, and be sure to nominate your favorite local artists by contacting us on our site or Instagram!
