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Jimmy Keller

BIO

Jimmy Keller is a professional artist located just outside of Buffalo, NY. A majority of his work takes the shape of sculptural forms, though he keeps an interdisciplinary mindset that merges mediums such as wood, metal, glass, stone, paper, fibers, and film. The contemporary pieces address mindfulness and spirituality in a health conscious way that focuses on connecting communities and individuals back to nature. His current artwork intends to inspire others while incorporating his travels, philosophies of health, and understanding of community. 
 

Keller will receive a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the State University of New York at Fredonia. He studied abroad in Florence, Italy, gaining knowledge of the techniques and skills of the Renaissance artists while also being educated by contemporary Italian marble sculptors and mosaic stone artists. After receiving his BFA, Keller will then proceed for his Masters of Fine Arts.

Art, design, and fabrication has been influencing Keller’s entire life, which was heavily shaped by being raised in an artistic family. He began professionally chainsaw carving at the age of fifteen, traveling around the northeast creating large-scale wooden sculptures. He quickly expanded into other art forms, still incorporating many of the skills learned early on. Now, he has artwork in collections across the United States and Canada and has exhibited in multiple galleries. 

Keller is an art column writer who addresses the contemporary art scene in a critical and philosophical way. He shares his opinions and knowledge, while incorporating expertise of other artists and professionals. He writes with the goal of educating and advocating for the arts as a whole.

He advocates for sustainability, conservation, and preservation. Keller declares this as a meaningful part of his life. He finds beauty and appreciation in the natural world through kayaking, biking, skiing, and hiking. These personal connections to the natural world and to other people are imperative for creating an inspiring environment. His passion emerges from nature and his ambition to reinvent spaces through the power of art.
 

Education

2024

2023 

2022 

Bachelors of Fine Arts, Sculpture, State University of NY at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY (Expected May 2024)

Art History Study Abroad, Florence, Italy

Associates of Fine Arts, State University of New York Erie, Orchard Park, NY

Exhibitions

2023 

Southern Tier Biennial, Peg Bothner Gallery, Jurors: Andrea Alverez, Judy Barie, Tullis Johnson, Olean, NY (catalog)

Earth, Wind, and Pliers, Emmitt Christian Gallery, Fredonia, NY 

Oscar Open House, Reed Library, Fredonia, NY

Identity, Emmitt Christian Gallery, Fredonia, NY

Analog, Emmitt Christian Gallery, Fredonia, NY

Awards

2023 

George W. Booth Visual Arts Scholarship, State University of NY at Fredonia

Teaching Experience

2024

2023

2021

Student Ambassador, Visual Art Dept., SUNY Fredonia
Professor Learning Assistant, SUNY Fredonia Woodworking Class
Student Ambassador, Visual Art Dept., SUNY Fredonia
Substitute Teacher, Gowanda Middle School, Gowanda, NY

Bibliography

2023 

2022 

2021 

2018

Roger Coda, "Artwork by sculpture major Jimmy Keller accepted into juried professional art competition," SUNY Fredonia, 2023
"Southern Tier Biennial," Tri-County Arts Council, 2023
Will Karr, "Student artists depict physical realities in Emmitt Christian 'Analog' exhibit," The Fredonia Leader, February 2022
Anthony Dolce, "Recent grad begins award effort," Observer Today, January 2022
"Featured chainsaw artist coming to Fall Music and Art Fest," Bradford Era, September 2021
Mary Heyl, "Chainsaw Artist," Post-Journal, November 2018
Catherine Danielewicz, "Winterfest at Chestnut Ridge Park," WIVB Buffalo, 28 January 2018
Barbara O'Brien, "Chainsaw art's a cut above: Sculptor," The Buffalo News, 29 January 2018
Mike Randall, "Young sculptor is a cut above the rest," The Now Buffalo, WKBW Buffalo, 2 Feb 2018

Publications as Author

2023

"Originality and inspiration in Marion's 'Mis/Communication'," The Fredonia Leader, March 8.
"The future of art in an AI world," The Fredonia Leader, April 5.
"An inside look at the Marion Art Gallery Senior Exhibition," The Fredonia Leader, May 3.
"Art in Italy: Contemporary and Historic," The Fredonia Leader, June.
"Fredonia's unfulfilled responsibility: Art display," The Fredonia Leader, October 17.

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