ARTIST STATEMENT

I am a self-taught artist and have been painting since childhood. As a first generation Filipina American, I was discouraged from becoming an artist, but I continued to paint because I wanted to capture the beauty that surrounds us all. 

I use a continuous line to organically reveal the positive energy that exists in all my subjects. Whether it’s a flower, a place, a feeling, or an inanimate object — everything has life. The continuous line embodies the energy within while also reminding us of the simple, yet vital truth: that we are all connected during our brief time on earth. 

We all need hope. We all need love. I strive to capture these emotions in my paintings. Moments of happiness, inspiration, and connection occur every day. I hope to share them in my art. 

ARTIST BACKGROUND

Based in Washington, DC, Kelly’s artistic journey started in San Francisco, California where she had two art studios and participated in numerous shows featuring emerging artists. After a hiatus of over 20 years, Kelly reignited her passion for painting during the stillness of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, after long days at a Fortune 100 Company, Kelly spends her evenings and weekends immersed in paint—layer by layer, stroke by stroke, capturing the fleeting yet eternal vibrancy of life itself.

In October 2025, Kelly reached a historic milestone: The Arts Club of Washington acquired her painting for its Permanent Collection—the institution’s first-ever acquisition of a living artist. Founded in 1916 and modeled after New York’s National Arts Club and the Chelsea Arts Club in London, the Arts Club of Washington is the oldest nonprofit arts organization in DC. Their acquisition solidifies Kelly’s standing in the global artistic community while establishing her as an emerging voice in the contemporary art world.

Kelly’s art studios are located in the Jackson Art Center in Georgetown and in Kalorama - Washington, D.C. Kelly’s work has been acquired and shown globally in the United States, Europe, and Asia. 

ARTIST RESIDENCIES

Artist-in-Residence, Jackson Art Center, Washington, DC, June 2023–present
61 works acquired since joining; 6 international acquisitions (Japan, Philippines, UK,
Switzerland)

PUBLIC COLLECTION

Arts Club of Washington, Permanent Collection — Acquired 2025
First work by a living artist added to the collection

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

(Reverse chronological order)

[2025] Transformer DC Exhibition, Washington, DC — November 2025
[2025] Private Exhibition, Venice, Italy — October 2025
[2025] Permanent Collection Acquisition, Arts Club of Washington — October 2025
[2025] Union Market By Design, Washington, DC — October 2025  
[2025] Salon Exhibition, Sheridan-Kalorama, DC — April 2025
[2024] Salon Exhibition, Sheridan-Kalorama, DC — September 2024
[2024] Transformer DC Exhibition, Washington, DC — November 2024
[2023] Jackson Art Center Open Studios, Washington, DC — June 2023–present
[2023] Online Portfolio Exhibition, kellydinglasan.com — June 2023–present

[2000–2006] (Earlier Work) Exhibitions throughout San Francisco, including emerging artists programs in Dolores Park, Mission District, and ArtSpan-affiliated spaces. Studio
sponsorship in Telegraph Hill provided by member of the SF MOMA Board.