By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
PERRYSBURG—When you meet Kelleigh Bossa and “The Girls,” you might be amazed to know Bossa only started painting two years ago.
The fact that “The Girls”—13 paintings of women representing different personas—are the result of Bossa processing deep, childhood trauma, is also rather stunning.
Even more significant is that in a matter of months, Bossa went from processing her own trauma to brainstorming and implementing an idea to share her art with “survivors and the vulnerable among us.”
Her goal was to put “impactful art in front of people who need to see it,” so they might be able to see themselves in her paintings and in turn feel seen.
She applied for and received an Ohio Arts Council grant through its Artists with Disabilities Access Program to share the artwork. The grant allowed her to place 116 pieces in 27 different facilities, including domestic violence shelters, addiction treatment facilities, temporary housing and other mental health and recovery services.
Through this project, “I found out what I want to do with my life, and this is it,” Bossa said about making art to benefit others. “This grant put me directly on the path to start it.”
The original ‘Girls” were all made in the first six months after she discovered acrylic paint. She didn’t take any art lessons, she just jumped in and taught herself, like how she started her photography business.
For 22 years, the self-taught photographer has captured the essence of adults, children and families. She wanted to bring that same passion and authenticity to canvases.
Her paintings are named for some of the phases she went through in processing her own trauma. Their names include “Bridge Burner,” “Ignited,” “Jaded,” “Sorrow,” and “Fluid.” The colors are rich and vibrant, with lots of greens and blues that represent nature and water—her happy places.
She also often incorporates jewelry pieces, glass shards and other found objects into the work, to create mixed media art. Using discarded materials and transforming them into art mirrors her personal journey of rebuilding her life, Bossa said.
One of the pieces called “Shattered” is created from glass shards. “Sometimes the parts reconnected are more valuable than the original,” she said, reflecting the idea that healing from being broken can make a person stronger.
While installing a 20” x 20” print of “Bridge Burner” in a woman’s room at a domestic violence shelter, Bossa talked with the woman about what she saw. “She started mentioning things, but when I explained that ‘Bridge Burner’ was wearing a mask… to set aside the hardest parts of leaving an unhealthy, toxic environment,” she said. The woman started crying with that realization.
Open Arms Transformation Living and RESA Solutions was “deeply honored to have been chosen by the amazing Kelleigh AnnRenee and her transformative art series, ‘The Girls,” Executive Director Fonda Royster wrote in a letter thanking the Ohio Arts Council for funding the installation project. “Her work radiates hope and transformation, capturing the beauty of diversity resilience, creative and unity.”
“Each painting speaks to the strength, resilience and hope that survivors carry with them on their journeys,” wrote the staff of the Sunrise House. “For many residents, the artwork has provided a sense of validation and empowerment—reminding them that their experiences matter and they are not alone.”
Those are the words that help Bossa realize her work is important.
Her definition of success is not based on financial gain, but on the impact of her art on others. She wants her art to reach and help people in impactful settings.
“My purpose is to create value and positive impact rather than achieve financial success,” she said. “I believe art saves lives.” It saved hers.
Bossa wants to continue the work that the Ohio Arts Council’s grant started. She “would love to offer free, unique pieces of art that can help bring courage, comfort and community” to other mental health, recovery and victim advocacy organizations. Facilitators can inquire by contacting her via her River Rocks Creative website.
She also created a GoFundMe account to support the installation of impactful art in other shelters and facilities.
