USU’s IDRPP will feature artists at Logan’s Gallery Walk

Consciously Breathing, by Kelie Hess, is an exploration of air, breath and life, driven by her own experiences and hopes. Image courtesy of Utah State University.

LOGAN – The Utah State University Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall. As part of the celebration, IDRPP will feature artists in the Logan Gallery Walk Friday, Sept. 23.

Kelie Hess, visual artist, works on one of her paintings. Photo courtesy of Utah State University.

Kelie Hess is one of those artists.

Hess was born with a rare disease called multiple pterygium syndrome which impacts her respiratory system. She uses a ventilator and oxygen, and also uses a power wheelchair for her daily mobility.

At Friday’s Gallery Walk, works from her “Consciously Breathing” exhibit will be featured at the Presidio Real Estate office.

“Regulating my breathing is a big part of my life,” Hess explains, “so when I started this series it felt like a natural evolution. I wanted to make an attempt at visually expressing some of my feelings.”

How does she describe herself as an artist?

“I consider myself a practicing artist, rather than a professional artist,” she answers, “even though I’ve been painting for quite awhile.

“I feel like I’m still teaching myself a lot. I really enjoy working on large canvases.”

Hess works for the Utah School to Work initiative, a project which focuses on creating employment opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities.

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