About Bill Stelling+ Karina Kelley Kelley Stelling Contemporary is a gallery dedicated to the presentation of works by emerging artists in 2D and 3D formats. Drawing upon the deep pool of talent both in New England and the wider art world, KS Contemporary will be a locus for dialogue about art’s place in the community, and the need to nurture, educate and expose its possibilities to a broad mix of artists, collectors and art lovers. Based in downtown Manchester, Kelley Stelling Contemporary will provide a much needed venue for an underserved audience. As part of downtown’s revival, Kelley Stelling Contemporary will collaborate with area businesses to expose residents and visitors to the rich cultural offerings of Manchester. Bill Stelling brings extensive gallery experience to Kelley Stelling Contemporary. He founded the Fun Gallery in New York City in the early 1980s with Patti Astor. The gallery was an early showcase for the careers of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, among many other notable artists. He was director of a subsequent gallery, 56 Bleecker NY, and is curating a retrospective exhibition of its artists at Howl Happening, a non-profit space in lower Manhattan. Most recently, he collaborated in ArtFront NH, a pop-up art and performance event in Manchester. Bill also sits on the NH State Council for the Arts, and the Currier Museum Advisory Council. Karina Kelley has a degree in fine arts and art history. Having worked in marketing for many years, she understands the changing relationship that galleries have with their audiences. Her social media skills will bring a unique perspective to the gallery. In 2017, she chaired the Currier Museum of Art's Annual Fundraising Gala, which attracted important members of the arts and business community, and raised a significant sum for art education. Karina previously served as Vice President for the Kimball Jenkins School of Art’s Board of Directors, and as a committee member for the NH Institute of Art Annual Gala. At present, she is serving as an Advisory Council member for the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA). When not working at the gallery or doing studio visits Karina can be found curled up with her Great Dane, Arlo, or cooking up a storm. Karina believes that art doesn’t have to be stuffy and can be accessible to people from all backgrounds and is working to make sure that contemporary artists and collectors can form a community right here in New Hampshire.