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Local artist brings “cheerful, urban vibe” to rotating art gallery

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Though Kelly Seeber has painted for nearly 18 years, for most of those years, painting was largely a personal endeavor.

“I really didn’t think that I would go public with my art,” she said.

But creativity runs in her veins, as does a love of collaboration. So last year, Seeber founded Urban Theory Studios as an artistic connection to the community.

Around 20 of Seeber’s paintings now decorate the walls of Work Nimbly. Seeber is the latest artist featured in Work Nimbly’s rotating “pop-up” art gallery. The exhibit opens with a celebratory Art Party on Jan. 29.

Founded by three small business owners, Work Nimbly provides a co-working space for Williamsburg’s independent workers, freelancers and entrepreneurs.

“It’s a great creative space. It’s a supportive space. It’s providing all of this great energy,” Seeber said.

When selecting pieces for display, “I really wanted pieces that kind of fit that creative energy,” she said. “I was really thinking about bold, energetic, colorful.”

Much of Seeber’s art follows these themes, realized through acrylics, permanent inks and graffiti markers.

Her aesthetic style is heavily urban, influenced by time spent in urban environments such as San Francisco Bay, Dubai, Rome and Barcelona. Seeber’s artworks also draw influence from graphic design and street art.

“They’re gritty. They’re urban. They’re dynamic,” said Gretchen Bedell, a Work Nimbly founder and owner of Odd Moxie creative firm.

Still, “they’re not something you couldn’t have in your home,” she continued. “That sort of cheerful, urban vibe is her thing.”

By supporting local artists, the rotating art gallery melds with Work Nimbly’s mission to expose and unite local creatives.

“We’re trying to be very active with the arts community,” Bedell said. “There’s fantastic stuff.”

And, in turn, each artist brings something different to the Work Nimbly space.

“When I paint, I really imagine a lot of positive energy going into those paintings,” Seeber said. “I really hope that it brings positive energy to a space.”

The Art Party features food, drinks and the chance to interact with Seeber, as well as the Work Nimbly community. But Seeber’s art will be on display until spring, and all pieces are for sale.

For more information on Seeber’s art, visit urbantheorystudios.com, call 757-585-4173 or email urban.theory.art@gmail.com.

Bedell said Work Nimbly is looking for an artist to feature next in the rotating gallery. For more information about Work Nimbly, call 757-561-0005 or visit worknimbly.com.

Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-275-4934.

Art Party with Kelly Seeber

When: 4:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29

Where: Work Nimbly, 215 Ingram Road (2nd floor), Williamsburg