About Kelly

Kelly Haneklau is a freelance artist who works primarily in acrylic and oils. She received her Fine Arts degree from Radford University. She creates commissioned paintings and murals, is an illustrator, a speed painter for K[squared]² performance group, teaches art out of her Virginia-based studio, and makes jewelry and other artsy things for fun.

She was awarded as a top-ten best illustrator in an international competition culminating with her work being published in the book Art from Heart. She also illustrated the book My Life Painted in Words, by Liletta Harlem. She just completed illustrating a second book with author, RL Sosa called Table Manners for Humans. A finalist in several art competitions, adjudicated and solo exhibitions, Kelly has exhibited and/or performed at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA, the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC, the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, VA (Recipient of the Community Arts Spotlight Award), the ARTfactory in Manassas, VA, McCall Studio Gallery in Old Town Manassas, VA, Open Space Arts in Woodbridge, VA, the Clearbrook Center of the Arts in Lake Ridge, VA and other venues and exhibits around Virginia, as well as internationally online.

Ms. Haneklau has been featured in Prince William Living, Prince William Perspective, and online with the Kuma Foundation for her artwork and volunteerism in the community. In 2020, she was voted as Best Artist in Prince William County by InsideNoVa (and the community she serves. In 2021, Kelly, along with her creative partner of K[squared]², Kim B Miller, were awarded Community Arts Spotlight Winner by the Hylton Performing Arts Center. In 2022, her artwork was featured in Arts News magazine (Vol. 1 #5/Sept. 2022) and she was awarded a Humanitarian award from Business Crossing Network for her volunteerism in the DMV (Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia) community.

Kelly thrives off of the lawlessness of art, not only in her admiration and collection of art, but in her own personal creations. Some of her more recent works feature paintings of modern-day issues that center on justice, equality and kindness. Her art theory on style and subject matter is a simple one. It is not necessary to remain focused on one style or technique or genre. Thinking and creating outside the box is not only a must, for her, there is no box begin with. Remaining open in her thoughts and processes allows for deeper learning and creativity. 

Kelly's most recent project is partnering with Author, RLSosa, to illustrate the children's book: Table Manners for Humans. Release date August 2023.

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