100 PROOF Juror Talk by Kris Kelly

March 30th, 2023

Coverage by Amara Sorosiak ‘23

On March 30th, Washington College welcomed back alumna Kris Kelley to serve as this year’s juror and give an artist talk for the 100 PROOF gallery exhibition. The event was held in the Larabee Art Center, where students, faculty, and community members alike gathered for her presentation. Kris Kelley holds a B.A. in Psychology and Studio Art from Washington College, as well as an MFA from Temple University. She works primarily as a multimedia artist and photographer, both developing work for gallery settings and serving as an independent event photographer. She is now the Arts Education Coordinator for RiverArts in Chestertown. Kelley’s talk centered around her work in photography, showcasing everything from her childhood art to ongoing projects. She delved extensively into the concept of memory, how it might fail us, and how photography and art may help preserve, or modify, it. Given the extent, and many turns, of her artistic career, Kelley’s advice to attendees was that it is okay if they don’t have their career trajectory figured out yet, pursuing art as a career is viable, and, based on a previous experience of losing photos from her teenage years, to back up their files.