Kiyanna Lawrence to be next Artist-in-Residence at Westfield Library

The Westfield Memorial Library and the Westfield Art Association are pleased to announce that the next Artist-in-Residence will begin her residency at the library on November 1. The Artist-in-Residence program brings Westfield’s talented local artists to the library for the entire community to enjoy through talks, hands-on workshops, studio hours, exhibitions, and more.

The Westfield Art Association is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1922 that provides public art education and public exhibitions with work from its member artists.

Kiyanna Lawrence, whose residency runs through January 31, 2025, attended Rider University where she studied Graphic Design and Video Game design. The Founder and Creative Director of Agapes Art, Lawrence specializes in leading mindfulness painting workshops aimed at helping individuals connect with inner creativity and achieve a state of mindfulness. She holds certifications as a mindfulness coach and a therapeutic art coach, as well.

Currently, she is working on a project called Project Playground at Jefferson Elementary School, where she is painting the basketball court. In addition to her art practice, she does moss, flower and art installations.

Part of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America AAFA, she will donate 15% of the money she earns from each painting she sells to the Foundation.

Lawrence has showcased her work in such venues as Cry Out Cave, Indigo Residency, and Casa, as well as in New York and ArtGroove shows. She has completed mural projects in Jersey City and conducted art activities with children at Here We Grow. She has painted windows as part of the Wicked Window Display at the Westfield AddamsFest and at the Bagel Café in New Providence.

“Each piece [of art] is a journey of self-discovery, a testament to the power of art to heal, connect, and illuminate the human experience,” says Lawrence. “In the silence of creation, I find liberation and purpose, inviting others to explore their own mindfulness and inner truths.”

Throughout the upcoming workshops that will be part of Lawrence’s residency, she will emphasize the importance of letting go of expectations and embracing the spontaneous nature of artmaking.

She will also integrate her passion for mindfulness into workshops that combine breathing exercises with painting techniques. Participants will learn how to synchronize their breath with brushstrokes.

Beginning Saturday, November 2, Lawrence will be at the library on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. to demonstrate her painting. The public is invited to watch her and ask questions. Upcoming workshops for children and adults will be posted on the library website in the near future.

“I truly believe that seeing art and recognizing work of an artist makes peoples' lives better,” says Darrin Owens, President of the Westfield Art Association. “This is an excellent opportunity to expose the public to local artists and local art. I hope that many people take advantage of this free program that the library is so graciously sponsoring."

“I see the library as a microcosm of the community” says Allen McGinley, Library Director. “So, I’m delighted that we’re able to bring our talented local artists into the library to share their passion and creativity with residents of all ages.”

“The artist-in-residence will display their work at the library during their residency for anyone to see at any time,” adds Owens. “And if someone is interested in purchasing a piece, or commissioning the artist to produce something, they will feel more comfortable by getting to meet the artist up close and personal… I am so excited to see how this program develops.”

Visit the library’s website at https://wmlnj.org/ to sign up for a library card or learn more about the library’s programs and resources. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

Library hours are Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m. The library will be closed Monday, November 11 for Veterans Day.