Bouncers - 12" x 12" from the WeWork series.

(SEATTLE, WA) -- Thomas Kelly is a widely collected, award-winning, New Jersey based painter with a signature style, work primarily has its roots in Expressionism.  He is exhibiting a new series, WeWork, with Walter Wickiser Gallery at Seattle Art Fair 2024, which takes place July 25-28, 2024.

The WeWork series depicts unsung but very necessary occupations. People whose occupations help feed us, protect us, help us travel, help us look good, and feel good. These are the people that help the world operate. This is work that we all need. This is work that we do. WeWork. With the help of these workers and many more, we prosper.

The sixteen acrylic on canvas paintings all measure 12” x 12” (30x30cm) and will be exhibited in a 4 pc x 4 pc grid. The paintings were all made in 2024.

Waiter - 12" x 12" from the WeWork series.

When asked about his inspiration for the series, Kelly states, “Every occupation should be celebrated. Without any of these depicted occupations our lives would not be as pleasant, safe or even possible. The show features paintings of truck drivers, lifeguards, tailors, restaurant workers, landscapers, construction workers and more. These workers are essential and work in positions that allow people to enjoy life. They are important.”

Kelly drew the original sketches on 3” x 3” Post-It notepads.  “The thumbnail sketches let me focus on the main points I wish to portray. They help me focus on the main idea.”

Kelly’s work known for its colorful, narrative, acrylic paintings on canvas often create what feels like personal dialogue with the viewer. His deceptively simplistic paintings are both critically acclaimed and very approachable by everyday viewers. More than 375 of Kelly’s original paintings have been collected. Kelly has exhibited in New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia. His work is in private and public collections in the US, Europe and Asia.

The exhibit is located in the Lumen Field Event Center (800 Occidental Ave S) in Seattle, Washington.  It is viewable on Friday, July 26 from 11:00am to 7:00pm; Saturday, July 27 from 11:00am to 7:00pm; and Sunday, July 28 from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

There is an Opening Evening presented by PURE Insurance on Thursday, July 25 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Hair Stylist - 12" x 12" from the WeWork series

The Walter Wickiser Gallery was established in 1992 in Soho, New York.

Wickiser's career as an art dealer formally began in 1990 in Soho, NY, when he became the director of the first gallery in the United States showing artists from mainland China. Today the gallery focus has shifted to midrange and Post War international artists.

The Seattle Art Fair, founded in 2015 is the premier art expo in the Pacific Northwest United States. Attracting 25,000 attendees in 2023, this year there will be 90 art galleries from around the world exhibiting.

Crossing Guard - 12" x 12" from the WeWork series.