Holly McKay

Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, I grew up in Truro Nova Scotia. After attending Holland College in Prince Edward Island for Commercial Art, I returned to New Brunswick to find a home in Grand Bay-Westfield. Developing my graphic design career in Saint John, I began to rekindle my roots with my love for art and painting. Being artistic from a very young age, I began exhibiting my paintings and getting involved in many art organizations. As well as art organizations, I have also gained a network of emerging artists who are constant inspiration.

There is a thriving arts community in New Brunswick and it has provided me with many opportunities to evolve into the artist I am today. My artwork and design ability has become a part of many fundraising efforts to benefit the community at large. I have been very fortunate to have won several awards for my work and gain recognition in the arts community. I enjoy experimenting and am constantly growing as an artist. I plan to continue to evolve and share my art.

Artist Statement

I would describe my artwork as fun, whimsical, colourful, and instilled with a sense of humour. Each painting reflects the vibrant world around me.

Kitty in the City began as a fun way of placing my cat, "Kitty",  in the
different communities we have lived or traveled. Places we feel comfortable calling home. The collection has since evolved from there.

The cityscapes are my interpretation of the vitality of a city. I take
colours that exist and transform them into a vibrant pallet. This also helps to translate the feeling we have for our communities.

The reward has always been in people's reactions to the art. They can't help but laugh or smile. It is very easy for people of all ages to relate to the subject matter. Inspiration comes from the animals and the people who share stories about their own experiences.

Festivals have become a wonderful way to spur ideas that may evolve into a wider variety of art. My work is very interactive. I enjoy working with people and encourage kids and adults to move forward in their creative ideas.

Recent Exhibitions

2005 New Faces (group exhibition), Art Sales & Rental Gallery, Halifax, Nova Scotia

2005 Le Soir (group exhibition), Handworks Art Gallery, Saint John, New Brunswick

2005 Art & Artiacts (group exhibition), NB Museum, Saint John, New Brunswick

2003 Uncommon Thread (solo exhibition), Millennium Art Gallery, Saint John, New Brunswick

2003 Uncommon Thread (solo exhibition), Lorenzo Society Art Gallery, University of New Brunswick Saint John, New Brunswick

2003 Familiar Places (solo exhibition), Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, New Brunswick

Festivals and Events

Find my work at these Art Galleries:

Handworks Fine Craft and Art Gallery, Saint John, New Brunswick

Seacoast Art Gallery, St. Andrews, New Brunswick

Art Sales and Rental Gallery, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Press Coverage