The Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville’s Artist-in-Residence for the 2019-2020 season is 

“I believe this body of work will inspire members of our community with disabilities to find a voice of expression through music and art.”  

Kelly Young shares a passion for both graphic design and fine art.  After graduating from the University of North Florida with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design and a minor in Studio Art, Kelly founded Young Designs – a company that specializes in brand development and graphics for small businesses, in-house marketing departments, and non-profit organizations. 

Kelly is keenly interested in making artwork that expresses feelings and emotions – particularly those emotions that are inspired by music.  As 2019-20 Artist-In- Residence of the Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville, Kelly will be creating a body of work for each concert that incorporates her graphic design images with the artwork of her 10-year-old daughter, Gracie, who is diagnosed with low functioning autism and Hypotonic CP (low muscle tone).  As Gracie’s motor skills and speaking ability are greatly compromised by her condition, it is difficult for Gracie to express herself verbally.

Kelly and Gracie will be listening to the music included in the 2019-20 season and mother and daughter will be jointly creating and exploring the language of art and music as a means of communicating with one another. Gracie is particularly fond of using acrylic inks and allowing the drops to spread into abstract shapes by moving water around.  Her designs have a fluid yet textural feel that Kelly will embellish with her own artwork.  

The artwork of Kelly and Gracie will be on view during the post-concert receptions and we invite you to attend.

Visit Youngdesignsinc.com/artist to learn more about Kelly, Gracie and this special project they are working on together.

For more information on becoming our 2020-21  artist-in-residence for the orchestra as well as application guidelines, please click here. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2020.