Painting for Mental Health and Beyond:
I'm Shakia Harris, an artist, educator, and advocate, and I'm thrilled to share my journey with you.
After graduating from Western Kentucky University (WKU) in 2015 with a degree in Exceptional Education, Learning & Behavioral Disabilities/ Moderate to Severe Disabilities, I discovered the transformative power of painting in oils.
In 2018, I taught myself to paint, and it became a therapeutic outlet, helping me navigate the complexities of life and find solace in creativity. After surviving an armed home invasion, performing cpr on my 4 day old infant, and navigating life through loss I struggled profoundly with anxiety, depression, & Complex PTSD.
I seek to infuse each canvas with thick texture, vibrant colors, and emotional brushstrokes to spark curiosity, and encourage viewers to embrace the beauty of imperfection
A Purpose Driven Business:
In July 2020, I founded my art business with a mission close to my heart – raising funds for my Special Education classroom. My paintings became a bridge between art and education, serving a purpose greater than just aesthetics..
Read: "Utah Bill Would Give Some Teachers $20,000 bonus," NEWSWEEK
️ Art That Knows No Boundaries:
The turning point in my artistic journey came in March 2022 when my solo exhibit debuted in Louisville's vibrant NULU neighborhood of Louisville, KY. From there, my artwork & personal story caught the attention of media outlets like the Today Show, Newsweek, Scary Mommy, WHAS11, WDRB, WLKY, ABC 36, and Today's Woman Magazine, propelling my message of art, mental health awareness, and small business empowerment to reach wider audiences.
My paintings have traveled far and wide, finding homes in private collections across 38 cities and 27 states. It fills my heart to know that my art connects with people from diverse backgrounds and places.
Nurturing Creativity and Mental Well-being:
I'm delighted to pass on my knowledge and passion through online oil painting classes. Witnessing the growth of aspiring artists brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
Beyond art, I'm enthusiastic about empowering fellow entrepreneurs and sharing valuable small business tips.
Balancing Roles and Advocacy:
I'm a proud mother to two kids and three adorable dogs. I'm passionate about mental health awareness, and through my art and platform, I hope to spread positivity and support for mental well-being.
Read/Watch: Local artist celebrates opening her own solo art exhibition in Smoketown - WHAS11
Thank you for being a part of my creative journey. Join me as I continue to explore the world of art, education, and advocacy. Let's celebrate the beauty of life together through colors, imagination, and the boundless canvas of creativity!
Born in 1990, Lorain,OH. Lives in Shelbyville, KY and works in Louisville, KY.
EDUCATION
2015
B.A.,Exceptional Education Learning & Behavioral Disorders & Moderate to Severe Disabilities (P-12), Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024 -Feel My Words, 816 E. Broadway (Epping District), Louisville, KY
2022 -In Bloom, Louisville, KY in partnership with Equity In Arts/ Marlesha Woods
Awards
First Place, Fine Arts, Madison Chautauqua Festival of Arts, 2024 (Madison, Indiana)
Finalist, Louisville Visual Art's Bill Fischer Award
2nd, Arts On The Green, Arts Association of Oldham County - Crestwood, KY, 2023
Juried Art Festivals
Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art - Madison, IN (2024)
Penrod Arts Festival - Indianapolis, IN (2024)
Cherokee Triangle Art Fair - Louisville KY (2024)
St. James Court Art Show, Belgravia Section - Louisville, KY (2022-2024)
Big 4 Bridge Arts Festival - Louisville, KY (2022-2024)
Summerfair Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH (2023, 2024)
Norton Commons Arts Festival - Prospect, KY (2022-2024)
KY Art Market - Lexington, KY (2023)
Mellwood Art Fair - Louisville, KY (2023)
Paristown Garden Show - Louisville, KY (2023-2024)
Media/Press
"Chautauqua has ‘great turnout’ in spite of foul weather" -Madison Courier, 2024
"Self-Taught Artist Shakia Harris Takes On Solo Show" - Leoweekly, 2024
"Local artist celebrates opening her own solo art exhibition in Smoketown" - WHAS11, 2024
"Utah Bill Would Give Some Teachers $20,000 Bonus" - Newsweek, 2024
"Rise in school shootings led Shakia Harris to leave the classroom and pursue art" - WTVQ/ ABC 36, 2023
"The cause is unknown': Parents sound the alarm about BRUE, which can strike infants" - TODAY SHOW, 2023
"Finding peace through painting, Kentucky woman's mental health journey leads to new profession", WDRB, 2023
"Three Shelby County artists to participate in 23rd annual Arts on the Green" - The Sentinel News, 2023
"What’s A BRUE? Mom’s Viral TikTok Shines Light On This Sudden & Scary Occurrence" -Scary Mommy, 2023
"Careers Now: Woman debates leaving stable job...to pursue career in creative arts"- Buffalo News, 2023
"How Being A Victim Of An Armed Robbery Led Louisville Artist Shakia Harris To The Canvas" - Leo Weekly, 2022
"Here's the latest arts news..."- Louisville Public Media, 2022
"Meet Shakia Harris | Oil Painter & Special Education Teacher" - Shoutout Arizona, 2022