The Scribe - Page 7

Kay Weprin: Layers of Abstract Reality the-scribe.org/kay Learn more now! Kay Weprin • Abstract mixed- media artist using cold wax • Twenty-year art educator in Toledo • World traveler inspiring intuitive layered works Artist Background & Early Years Kay’s journey into art took an unconventional path. De- spite having no formal art education in high school, she became involved through set design. While studying el- ementary education in college, an art education course sparked her interest in pursuing art further. She went on to earn a degree in mixed media, with a particular focus on printmaking. One of her early instructors notably advised her never to use black and white again, leading to color becoming a significant element in her work. Teaching Career & Impact For over two decades, Kay served as an art educator at Washington Local Schools. She was fortunate to have a spacious classroom that doubled as her studio after 20 North Gallery sold their building. While following the re- quired curriculum, she had the freedom to incorporate her passion for mixed media, photography, and printmaking into her teaching. Her influence as an educator is evident - she mentions that the current Community Director at the Toledo Museum of Art was once her student. Artistic Process & Materials Kay’s current work heavily features cold wax, a medium she began experimenting with during the quarantine peri- od. Her mixed media approach combines various materi- als including oil pastels, acrylic markers, colored pencils, and handmade paper. She works in layers, often starting with basic marks and building up abstract forms. Nature serves as her initial inspiration, but she allows herself to venture into her own “reality,” creating works that invite multiple interpretations. Her process is intuitive, and she often works on several pieces simultaneously. Exhibition & Professional Practice Her work is currently represented by Hudson Gallery and has been shown at 20 North Gallery. She approaches her art professionally, working in series and actively seeking to sell her pieces. Kay was also previously president of Athena Art Society and maintained a studio in downtown Toledo near 20 North Gallery. She participates in outdoor painting sessions with other artists, noting how her ab- stract interpretations often differ dramatically from more realistic renderings of the same scenes. Personal Life & Influences Travel has significantly influenced Kay’s work - she has visited all seven continents, with these experiences pro- viding visual inspiration for her art. She has two children: one who worked as a sports writer before moving into marketing, and another who became a dentist. Her grand- children also play a role in her creative process - she col- laborates with her grandson, who is studying Naval Engi- neering at Michigan, on titling pieces. Her granddaughter has shown artistic talent as well, recently receiving recog- nition in the Scholastic Art Awards. Despite facing health challenges, including hip replacement surgery, Kay con- tinues to adapt her artistic practice, even switching hands while working to create different marks and maintain her creative output. A wooden abstraction dances with color, weaving primary hues through space in an intricate sculptural ballet. Many years ago, Kay wrote articles for the SchoolArts magazine, an academic periodical that’s for art educators. Kay’s decorated and cozy living room, filled to the brim with wonderful works of the past.