Introducing Kathy Mere
Kathy Briggs Mere is a Lafayette, Louisiana based artist who loves to paint in abstract and impressionistic styles using mixed media, usually water-based. Her paintings tend to be energetic and colorful with movement reflecting her view of energy, beauty and life. Often, she incorporates a collage of a stamp or memorabilia from sweet memories. Her inspiration consistently comes from happiness, peace, nature, music, colors, loved ones, and novelty (e.g., traveling, meeting new people, learning new things, seeing different landscapes, seeing new homes and designs).
Who makes up your art circle?
Although I’ve painted for 35 years, I never really reached out to the creative community. My Husband, Richard Mere and three boys (23, 23, and 20) pushed me and gave me last Mother’s Day the support and encouragement for my very 1st fine art fair tent at Painting the Pond. Suddenly, a person who just happens to paint, accepted herself as a “real artist”.
My next show is this Saturday, Apr. 22, 7:30am-12:30pm, for the 2nd annual “Painting the Pond” in Sugarmill Pond. I’m excited to meet new people again and answer any questions they have about my art and art process! Come say HI!!
How do you expand your art circle?
Exciting opportunities came after opening up to the creative community! Feedback is overwhelming! I joined Basin Arts and consistently have my work on a rotational exhibit within local businesses. I joined Nunu Art and Culture Collective in Arnaudville and now have a show in September and October in their gallery. I have a show in January, 2024 at The Russo Gallery! I joined Designing Women of Acadiana and met other incredible kindred souls! I’ve taken a few workshops specifically to learn new techniques and meet new creatives. These were K. Jane Art “Making Your Mark” Retreat for Creatives and Cherif Fry watercolor workshop at Lafayette Art Association. The more I jump into the creative community, the more my work flourishes in the studio and the happier I am.
Exciting news! VAN GOGH Art Gallery in Madrid, Spain reached out and the ink is barely dry on our collaboration! In addition, I will have my work shown in the Luxembourg International Art Fair later this early fall. In September, I will have a piece in San Francisco, CA’s Support for Families Gala.
What value do you see in having a creative community?
Part of my learning curve is figuring out platforms like Instagram and Facebook Business pages. If social media doesn’t come naturally to you, I encourage you to not be shy and to ask, ask, and ask again. The largest obstacle was getting over my fear of showing my work on public platforms. Ironically, I don’t like to be the center of attention, so my growth in owning my art publicly has been exponential. I’m still learning to take a deep breath and just dive in. I now have a website: www.kathymereart.com where people can get prints! One step at a time!
Visual Arts are meant to be seen. Sharing your work takes a lot more bravery than I anticipated. Art is subjective, so you must be prepared for someone to look at your work and see something completely new even to you. This actually excites me, now! Especially reactions to my abstract art!
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?
I’m continually figuring out my rhythm, and the unique and courageous expression of my voice. I enjoy encouraging new artists to just go for it and have fun! There is enough room for all of us in life’s creative space. A rich creative community contributes to the interest, vibrancy and joy of any city. I’m thrilled to live in South Louisiana’s wonderful and enriching culture! Shout out to Acadiana!
Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund managed by Lafayette Travel
