Kristen Kay Gamel is a thirty three year old artist who has enjoyed drawing and oil painting since the age of nine. She has won several awards over the past two years and participated in countless art exhibitions in her hometown of Plant City, Florida. Kristen primarily works with oil media and currently displays her inspiring work in a number of small businesses within her community.
Kristen is a long-term brain tumor survivor who received life-saving treatment at the age of five at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Since Kristen’s recovery, she has participated in St. Jude’s ongoing research study, one that monitors brain tumor survivors in order to help discover advanced treatments for both current and future child cancer patients.
Kristen’s artwork exists as just one of her many achievements. She also graduated with a Special Diploma from Plant City High School, serves as a member of the East Hillsborough County Art Guild, receives weekly art lessons from a private teacher in her home, and acts in plays twice a year in a theater troupe for people with special needs called “Out of the Box” at the Lakeland Community Theatre. Kristen’s other hobbies include photography, making jewelry, scrap-booking, and playing with her 5 cats and 1 dog.
Local merchants in the community who support Kristen’s artwork are Par Interiors, The Corner Store, and Lark Photo & Framing. Her artwork can be purchased locally as cards with envelopes or mini-easel pictures at any of these locations. Par Interior Gift Shop also proudly displays one of her award-winning paintings on exhibit in their shop, her painting of an owl called “A Soft Landing.” Kristen and her family extend their sincerest appreciation to all of the local merchants who support her artwork. Please see the “links” page if you would like further information regarding the businesses and art teacher mentioned.
Everyone who meets Kristen is touched by her warmth and compassion. Her beautiful spirit shines through her work in its bright colors and animated style. This website allows Kristen the opportunity to showcase her work on a larger scale, allowing people from all over the world the chance to enjoy her talent and purchase her prints. It also provides Kristen the ability to practice an occupation and creates an outlet to increase her self-esteem. Any comments for her to see regarding her artwork are greatly appreciated.
It is her family’s wish that this website will allow Kristen’s work to provide inspiration to a greater number of people. Thank you for your support!