Name: Nevin J. Kelly

Occupation: Owner, Nevin Kelly Gallery

Residence: Columbia Heights, Washington, DC

Why I chose this picture: I chose this piece because it showcases the talents of an outstanding and somewhat under-recognized local artist. This was the first I had seen of Ellyn’s work, and it caused me to invite her to exhibit in my gallery.  She made this painting for the 2004 Art-O-Matic. Just a few days before Art-O-Matic opened, Ellyn put a 12-foot long piece of blank paper on the wall, and she created an excellent abstract painting right there on the site.  It is an example of an artist flexing her muscles, doing a very large piece under pressure for a particular purpose.