"Connection to Self" is a deeply personal body of work that not only showcases my artistic journey, but also serves as an inspiring narrative for others. Overcoming stereotypes and obstacles to staying true to oneself is a universal theme that many can relate to. My intention with my work is to help others connect
with their inner child, find confidence within themselves, and connect to nature for a sense of healing and authenticity.
I aspire to create a connection between the 2-dimensional paintings and the audience, allowing them to feel an immersive feeling with space and time through nature and figures. Filled with what some might see as chaos or happiness is my engaging approach. The inclusion of tree-like images and landscapes with vibrant colors and whimsical shapes symbolizes growth, strength, and the interconnectedness of all living things. This visual metaphor can resonate deeply with viewers and contribute to the overall theme of self-connection and authenticity.
The idea of incorporating abstracted florals in a folk art style adds another layer to my work. Folk art often carries a sense of tradition, cultural identity, and a connection to the past. The abstracted florals can represent the beauty and complexity of life's experiences, each bloom symbolizing a unique aspect of personal growth and transformation.
Kimberly Montes-Bacon is a talented Painter and Designer based in Philadelphia with a diverse range of skills in various paint mediums, including oil pastel, acrylic, and watercolor. When not immersed in painting, she engages in sketching within her journals, creating digital art, and developing designs for her nonprofit organization, Youth Design Philly (YDP). Her work has been showcased in exhibitions across different locations such as Philadelphia, P.A., West Chester, P.A., and Yorklyn, D.E.
Kimberly's journey as a creative individual traces back to her childhood experiences, fostering a passion that eventually led her to pursue a Fine Arts education at West Chester University. Following her graduation, she transitioned into the field of education, becoming a liberal arts educator for students ranging from grades K-8. During her five years of teaching, Kimberly discovered her profound love for inspiring and guiding others, particularly in the realm of creativity.
Feeling the need to integrate more creativity into her daily life, Kimberly decided to further her education. She enrolled at Drexel University from 2015-2018, where she studied Interior Architecture and Design at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. Today, Kimberly is not only an alumna but also
an instructor at the same institution, teaching Interior Design. Her dedication to education, combined with her passion for the arts and design, has not only shaped her current body of work but has also played a crucial role in influencing the mission of her nonprofit, YDP.
Kimberly's commitment to fostering creativity and education is evident in her multifaceted career, making her a dynamic figure in the artistic and educational communities.
2018
Drexel University
MS, Interior Architecture and Design
2012
West Chester University
BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts, Painting and Drawing
2022
Meaningful Mentor Award Big Picture Philly
2018
Latinx in Tech Startup Week Finalist
2016
Jacobs Design Competition Finalist
2014
The School District of Philadelphia Certificate of Appreciation
2023-Present
Instructor, Drexel University, Westphal Department of Arts & Design
2020-Present
Founder, President, Youth Design Philly
2021-2023
Interior Designer Jr., Kramer + Marks
2018-2021
Healthcare Interior Designer Jr., FCArchitects
2016-2018
Graduate Design Assistant, Drexel University, Westphal Department of Arts & Design
InLiquid Member, Philadelphia, PA
2024
New Now VII, InLiquid Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2023
Paint with Me, The Lawn, Philadelphia, PA
Epilogue Pilot + Project, Philadelphia, PA
Wine & Shop, The Nosey Palate, Philadelphia, PA
2022
POST, Open Studio Tour, Philadelphia, PA
POST, Fundraiser at Trestle, Philadelphia, PA
Creative Feature, Collaborative Social Media Ad, Canvas, Birmingham, AL
Salom Baptist Cafe & Bistro (Lead Designer), Philadelphia, PA
Passi Medical Center (Lead Designer), Philadephia, PA
Playlist Release (Cover Art), Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Connection to Self, Solo Exhibition, Urban Art Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2021
The Nosey Palate Mural, Philadelphia, PA
Affordable Housing Residence and Admin, PA & NJ
Acts Senior Living Residents and Lobby, PA
Vare Community Center (Lead Designer), Philadelphia, PA
2020
Freelance Residential Design, Philadelphia, PA
Youth Design Philly Business Development, Philadelphia, PA
2019
Geisinger Health Cancer Center (Assistant Designer), Wyoming Valley, PA
RWJBarnabas Health NICU (Lead Designer), Livingston, NJ
2018
Newarkbeth Israle ICU, Children’s ER, Main Lobby (Lead Designer), Newark, NJ
Jefferson Health, Women’s Health Center (Assistant Designer), Abington, PA
The Art of Self Care (Solo Exhibition), Bartram's Garden, Philadelphia, PA
Latinx in Tech, Startup Week, Philadelphia, PA
Wine Night, Bartram's Garden, Philadelphia, PA
Paint Night, Bartram's Garden, Philadelphia, PA
2017
Black Mall Street, Bartram's Garden, Philadelphia, PA
Poetry Open Mic Night (Live Painting), A Poet Art Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Drexel Historic Preservation, Assistant Curator, Philadelphia, PA
2015
The Painted Orchestra, Bourse Building (Group Art Show), Philadelphia, PA
Sketch-a-Thon, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Love City (Live Painting), Darby, PA
Jerks Production: Booze and Horror (Group Art Show), Philadelphia, PA
Alumni of Community Academy of Philadelphia Art Show, Philadelphia, PA
Cakes and Canvases, Philadelphia, PA
Creative Minds Game Show, GoldenChimp (Sponsorship), Philadelphia, PA
G33ked Up: Open Mic (Live Painting), Philadelphia, PA
RAW: Philadelphia ‘PRESENTS’ Artist Exhibit, Philadelphia, PA
She’s Gotta Have it! (Live Painting), Philadelphia, PA
2014
Developing in Excellence: Painting Lesson, Philadelphia, PA
L.I.F.T: Who Am I? (Live Painting), Philadelphia, PA
The Beast Art Show, Philadelphia, PA
Voices In Power Open Mic Night (Live Painting), Philadelphia, PA
Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit, Philadelphia, PA
Urban Art Gallery Comedy Night (Live Painting), Philadelphia, PA
The Nehemiah Daviso Foundation Open Mic Night (Live Painting), Philadelphia, PA
Painting My City Art Show (Duet Art Show), Philadelphia, PA
Alumni of Community Academy of Philadelphia Art Show, Philadelphia, PA
2013
Alumni of Community Academy of Philadelphia, Art Show, Philadelphia, PA
Gordon Natural Area Display, Frances Harvey Green Library, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
Digital Photography Display, E. O. Bull Center for the Arts West Chester University, West Chester, PA
2012
Luck of the Draw, Center for the Creative Art, Yorklyn, DE
Senior Art Show, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
Alumni of Community Academy of Philadelphia, Art Show, Philadelphia, PA
Foundation Show, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
2011
Poesis Art Week, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
