Q&A with Kelsey Joyce

Kelsey Joyce was welcomed into the RecreationDepartment’s family of instructors in the summer of 2024. She facilitated the Visual Arts Camp for ages 11–14 and is now teaching CRAFT!—Creative Recreational Arts for Teens, grades 8–10.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I grew up in University Park and loved to draw pictures from a young age, inspired by my favorite cartoons, the Powerpuff Girls and Dragon Tales. After dabbling in sculpture during an introductory class in college, I changed my major to art and graduated with a bachelors of Fine Arts from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2019. Ever since, I have continued to create imaginary creature sculptures and work as an arts educator.

What started your interest in the arts? And what would you consider to be your specialty?

I am a Maryland-based artist who takes inspiration from my daydreams to create imaginary creatures, and I have coined the “Imji.” My specialties include creating mixed media sculptures using an array of techniques and materials such as papier mache, wallpaper paste, paint, welding, clay, and acrylic paint. Each “Imji” has its own story, personality, and name, nurtured into a series of folktales, art installations, and public artworks. My art subjects are inspired by my love of color, animal hybrids, and alebrijes.*

How long have you been teaching art classes and what motivated you to start teaching art to youth?

I have been teaching art classes since 2016. My goal with art has been to transport the viewer into my fantasy, inspire optimism, and ignite their creativity.

What is your personal favorite concept to teach?

My favorite concept to teach is sculpture!

How do you keep your classes engaging and motivating for your students?

I listen to what my students are interested in and build classes based around their interests, while also integrating art history and new techniques.

Are there any artists that you look up to? Do you have a favorite visual artist?

Some of my favorite visual artists are Yayoi Kusama, Niki de Saint Phalle, Henri Matisse, Pedro Linares López, and Frida Kahlo, to name a few.

* Alebrije are fantastical creatures depicted in
Mexican folk art.