Amber Kear Paints Community Into Every Wall The Scribe - Page 14 QUICK SCROLL Findlay-based muralist and graphic designer blending community service, mental health advocacy, and large- scale public art across Ohio. www.hysteria.company hysteriacompany ARTIST FEATURE Early Signs of a Muralist Amber grew up in Findlay, Ohio, specifically between Findlay and Pandora, about 20 minutes west of the city. She attended the University of Findlay briefly before transferring to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh after her first semester to pursue a more art-focused education, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design in 2009. She later returned to Ohio to earn an Associate’s Degree in Psychology from Owens Community College, graduating as an Honors Program Scholar in 2024. Amber knew from a young age she wanted to be an artist, despite not having artists in her family. A formative moment came when a distant aunt praised a Santa Claus drawing she made with markers, telling her she could be an artist someday. She’s always been drawn to art as “the voice of the people” and found deep passion in how art serves communities and the environment. Beyond her formal education, Amber has pursued training in community health and crisis intervention, including Adult Mental Health First Aid certification, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, and Project DAWN training.
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