Closing Reception & Artist Talk: Thursday, September 5th, 5:30pm

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (The Square) presents Kelly Bourgeois: Nature Quills. The Square invites the public to explore the imaginative world of quilled paper art through a presentation of works created by artist Kelly Bourgeois. Her exhibition Nature Quills features work created between 2022 through 2024. Each piece in this exhibition has taken over a year to create, since one quilled piece starts as one 3mm piece of paper and becomes finalized through thousands of paper quilled circles. The purpose of the exhibition is to inspire creativity, furthering the understanding of art for all people and by all people. It reflects joy in making, by hand, objects of beauty that are inspired by traditional cultures of past and present, by historical and contemporary art, and by mathematics and design.

Bourgeois is an artist driven by a desire to explore the intersection of art, science, and human emotion. She aims to uplift others, express her unique perspective, and positively impact the world by creating quilled paper art that is satisfying to the human mind and spirit.

“The flow of nature is the inspiration behind the artwork in this exhibition,” Bourgeois said. “The artwork aims to highlight the importance of nature's diverse elements. First, The Four Seasons are depicted in long, curved glass pieces. Next, Sound Blossoms capture the sounds of nature. The Epic Wave piece showcases nature's raw power. The work also emphasizes the vital role of our ecosystem, showcasing the arachnid and insect world and its connection to our well-being. Finally, the Harmony of Nature piece portrays a bear, elephant, giraffe, and rabbit, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all living beings.”

About Kelly Bourgeois:

Kelly Bourgeois is an artist, ICU nurse, mom, and free-spirited friend.

Raised in Eastern Montana, along the Badlands of Makoshika State Park, and now living close to the Beartooths in Billings, Kelly loves to explore the wilderness and witness the beauty of nature. This inspiration, along with her love of contemporary aesthetics, is the driving force behind her artwork, which focuses on exploring contrasting colors with contemporary scenes.

With a background including an MS in Arts Administration/Finance, a BA in Business Administration, Registered Nursing and Fine Arts, and an AS in Radiologic Sciences degree, pursuing a Doctorate in Nurse Practice. Kelly uses her colorful background to pursue her passion.

Kelly has had the incredible privilege of exhibiting work throughout the United States and is honored to have it in numerous private collections. Currently, Kelly enjoys working as an artist and in healthcare. Her favorite activity and, most importantly, is being a mom to two wonderful children. She also has a blast hanging out with her husband, Brian, and an extensive, wildly fun family, which includes friends near and far, new and old.

Check out Kelly’s latest works of quillings, sculptures, and paintings at www.kellybourgeois.com. Her works will also be displayed at various exhibitions throughout Montana and group exhibitions throughout the United States.

This exhibition is curated by Nicole Maria Evans, Curator of Exhibitions and Collection at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. Exhibitions at the museum are supported in part by the Montana Arts Council, a state agency funded by the State of Montana, and the National Endowment for the Arts. We are funded in part by coal severance taxes paid based upon coal mined in Montana and deposited in Montana's cultural and aesthetic projects trust fund. Additional funding is provided by museum members and the citizens of Cascade County, Davidson Family Foundation, D.A. Davidson, Horizon Credit Union, an anonymous donor, and Kelly’s Signs & Design.