Kelly U Johnson, a self-taught artist from Louisville, KY, now based in Richmond, VA, honed her artistic skills at the University of Louisville. Her work offers a profound reflection of her perspective on the world—capturing the beauty of nature and celebrating the strength and resilience of Black Americans. She explores a wide range of materials, from graphite and paint to fabrics and repurposed objects, embracing mixed media as her preferred mode of storytelling. Through rich textures, layered compositions, and vibrant colors, she weaves powerful narratives, making each piece a testament to history, identity, and the human spirit.

She has exhibited at The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, The Black History Museum and Cultural Center, Griffen Museum of Science and Industry, The Branch Museum of Design, The Cultural Art Center at Glen Allen, Taubman Museum, Liberated Art Flow Foundation Annual Gala, and The 25th African American Exhibit at Actor’s Theatre. Her work is in corporate and private collections across the US.