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Don Kimes
Artist at Denise Bibro Fine Art, NYC; Prof. Art, American Univ.; Artistic Director, ACI Artist/Writers Residency, Italy
Professional Background
Don Kimes is a distinguished artist and educator renowned for his extensive contributions to the field of visual arts. He boasts an impressive career, spanning several decades, during which he has exhibited his work in over 150 exhibitions around the globe, including prominent galleries in New York City such as Denise Bibro Fine Art, Kouros, and Frederieke Taylor, as well as esteemed institutions in Washington D.C. and international venues from Italy to Mexico. His artistic endeavors have earned him recognition as the Inaugural Endowed Chair in Visual Arts at the Chautauqua Institution, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.
In addition to his role at Chautauqua, Don Kimes has served as a Full Professor at American University in Washington D.C. for nearly three decades, where he has significantly expanded the reputation of the Master of Fine Arts program. His leadership capabilities are further highlighted by the $22 million he helped raise for the construction of the impressive 130,000 square foot Katzen Arts Center. Kimes has also held various academic positions, including that of Artistic Director for the ACI Residency Program in Corciano, Italy, further confirming his influence and dedication to fostering artistic talent.
Education and Achievements
Don Kimes is not only recognized for his artistic talents but also for his exceptional educational background. He completed his Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the City University of New York at Brooklyn College, which was built upon a solid foundation with his undergraduate studies. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College in Pennsylvania, and further enriched his artistic perspectives by studying at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Ciudad de México and the New York Studio School, where he acquired a certificate in Art. Besides his formal education, Kimes has also engaged with numerous institutions across the United States and abroad, serving as a guest artist in esteemed universities including Harvard, Dartmouth, Carnegie Mellon, and UC Davis, fostering connections and inspiring countless students through his teaching and guidance.
Among his notable achievements, Kimes was a finalist for the Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts in 2001, a prestigious nomination highlighting his influence in the art community. He has been awarded Medici Medals at the Florence International Biennale in both 2001 and 2003, showcasing his work on an international stage. Additionally, he received the Mellon Grant to paint for a year in Todi, Italy, as well as artist-in-residence awards from the U.S. Department of the Interior at Yellowstone, and support from the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in southern Mexico. Kimes has also played a crucial role in cultural exchanges, serving as a U.S. Visual Arts representative through the Eisenhower Foundation during a cultural exchange in the Soviet Union in 1986.
Achievements
Throughout his prolific career, Don Kimes has accumulated a vast array of accolades that underline his impact within the art community. He has participated in and led various artist residencies, including the SACI Artist in Residence program in Florence and an artist residency in Kauai, allowing him to explore and express his creativity in unique environments. Kimes has shown his capability not only as an artist but also as an administrator and leader in the arts, noticeably during his tenure as the Artistic Director at the Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution from 1986 to 2018, where he worked to curate and elevate the standards of exhibitions and events.
His work not only exemplifies artistic excellence but also reflects a commitment to education and mentorship. As the Head of Studio Art at American University, Kimes played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic journeys of many emerging artists. He remains a beacon of inspiration for future generations of artists and educators alike, leaving a lasting legacy in the realms of visual arts, education, and community enrichment.
In sum, Don Kimes stands as a monument in the art world, recognized for his exemplary teaching, artistic innovation, and tireless dedication to fostering artistic growth and cultural exchanges. His legacy continues to inspire many, and his contributions serve as an essential component in the ongoing conversation about the significance of visual arts in society.