Meet Kylee Sparx | Artist, Event Curator, Painting Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kylee Sparx and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kylee, how does your business help the community?
My mission statement is “To spread love and human connection through artistic expression. Art is empathy.” I believe art is an incredible path to personal healing, which leads to connecting deeper to yourself and your fellow human. As an artist in my personal work, I use familiar imagery to connect people through strong emotions. Such as nature, animals, the cosmos, the divine famine. Sometimes I want to encourage the viewer to think of themselves and controversial current events; that connect us on a humanitarian level. Sometimes it’s surrealism that is just meant to provide an escape from reality and encourage creativity. As an event curator I simply want to bring people together to celebrate art and community. Sometimes it’s a guided painting course; to encourage everyone to reap the benefits of creation. Other times it is an art showcase I participate in that highlights artists from around the world, or up and coming artists in the community. I’ve hosted networking events that’s soul purpose is to gather members of the community to meet each other, create opportunity, share ideas, and express themselves in a comfortable environment. The world doesn’t feel so big and scary; when we focus on the things that make us human and come together to celebrate them.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I came to Denver 3 years ago, from basically growing up in rural Kansas. The culture shock was all too real. I went from having little to no art scene, to a booming city filled with creative expression. I didn’t know any artistic entrepreneurs in Kansas. I guess the biggest challenge I faced when I came to Denver was overcoming my fear of being inexperienced. But I dove in with an open-mind and heart. I networked and attended as many local events as I could. I was ready to expand my knowledge because I knew this life was my calling. I met other artist’s that welcomed and encouraged me to do live-painting events and keep growing. From there it was taking the leap to build a strong resume and apply at art galleries in the city. The power of hard-work, pure intention and manifestation truly has carried me step by step.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well any of my friends would expect to hit up all the best art galleries and museums. Mirus and Threyda first of all. Which I have been lucky enough to assist in the curation of art exhibitions with. Then maybe riding scooters through Rino and Santa Fe Art District to check out all of the incredible murals and street art. The Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, is a must visit as well. As far as eats, there is this incredible Italian spot on Bannock Street called “Lo Stella Ristorante” that I LOVE. They have had many generations of Italian restaurants in the family that started in Italy. You will feel like family there. If you enjoy a unique craft cocktail, I would take you to the Honey Elixir bar in Rino.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that come to mind that I have encouraged and guided me on this journey. The first, is Hall Felker as the Co-Director of Mirus Art Gallery and mentor from my time at Mirus. Another person that comes to mind would be Lacy Bursick. She was lead of marketing at Temple. She helped me form my own brand and encouraged me to invest in myself. The whole Mirus and Temple team welcomed me with open arms and taught me so much about the professional arts and entertainment world. They believed in me and allowed me to host my first Paint and Sip class, as well as my first networking events inside of Mirus. That experience changed my mindset as an entrepreneur completely. Outside of them, a HUGE list of friends and artists who have encouraged and supported me on this journey.

You know who you are. 😉

Website: www.sparxvisuals.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyleesparx/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SparxVisuals

Image Credits
Taylor Joerger & Julie Moskow