A guest at Ronda Kelley’s exhibit last week appreciated the artist’s use
of textiles and bold colors. Kelley, a craft and design graduate student,
had her first show at the Conley Art Gallery last week, where many
attendees praised her unique use of the showroom.
Dalton Runberg / The Collegian

Artist Ronda Kelley displayed her creativity last week in her Conley Art Gallery exhibit “Feminine Meditations,” which is a theme she explored in her first Fresno installation.

Kelley’s storyline came alive as viewers traveled from one piece of artwork to the next in the dark halls of her exhibit, which focused on feminine themes such as healing, meditation and giving birth.

“I felt the need to acknowledge what is usually thought of as feminine,” Kelley said. “I’d like for people to take how important it is to be introspective while going through life on a daily basis.”

Her exhibit featured pieces that highlight her creativity, a trait she says comes naturally.

Kelley always wanted to study something she enjoyed, which led her to create a unique major within the Department of Art and Design at Fresno State. Today, Kelley is the only craft and design student in the program, and many of her professors appreciate her work ethic.

Julia Bradshaw, assistant art professor at Fresno State and Kelley’s former teacher, said that Kelley usually does historical research of fabrics and incorporates her findings in her work.

Bradshaw also appreciated Kelley’s use of the Conley Art Gallery space.

“I’m most impressed with how she changed the shape and feeling of the [Conley Art Gallery],” Bradshaw said at Kelley’s opening reception last week.

She added that many students don’t realize they can transform the space to their liking, as Kelley did.

Kelley’s colorful, earth-toned pieces were individually lit up in a labyrinth-like setting last week. Theater curtains measuring 30 feet wide by 18 feet high served as the backdrop for Kelley’s work, which allowed the viewer to focus on one piece at a time with little distractions.

Conley Art Gallery technician Edward Lund said Kelley’s exhibit was much more demanding than others he usually installs. He said her intent was to transform the space from a white box to a dark, intimate place.

Kelley was born and raised in the Fresno area, but spent 14 years of her life in southern California. When she was 22 years old, she attended California State University, Long Beach, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in art.

After spending more than a decade of her life in southern California, she made the decision to return to the Central Valley to raise her daughter. When she returned, she decided to expand on her artistic education, which led her to pursue her Master’s degree at Fresno State. Kelley plans to become a college art professor.

Kelley’s work has made appearances throughout campus last year. One of her “Feminine Meditation” pieces was featured as a backdrop in the Fresno State production of “The Vagina Monologues.” Kelley also was one of three students who helped renowned contemporary fiber artist Consuelo Jiménez Underwood with her Conley Art exhibit back in August 2011.

Kelley said that the assistance of Fresno State staff, faculty, friends and family inspired her to put on last week’s exhibit. However, Kelley has always had the drive to create art.

“I think people should do what they love,” Kelley said. “It makes them more productive.”