Meet the Artist
Kelly Coates is an Idaho Falls artist who specializes in mixed-media depictions of wildlife and nature. Her vivid and expressive works incorporate colored pencils, acrylics, watercolors, and oils.
Her passion for depicting nature arose from witnessing the wild bison in West Yellowstone. Their unique appearance captured her imagination, inspiring her to convey the beauty of the natural world through her own artistic perspective.
Artist Statement
I am an artist inspired by wildlife and dedicated to conservation themes. My work captures the spirit, individuality, and quiet strength of animals in their natural environments honoring both their beauty and fragility. Through each piece, I strive to awaken wonder, deepen connection and inspire care for the world we share.
CV
Education
Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta, Georgia Bachelor of Fine Art, Animation, 2013
Selected Solo Exhibitions
Willard Arts Center, Hall Gallery, September 4th-November 9th, 2025
Willard Arts Center, Hall Gallery, September 7th – November 12th, 2023
Selected Group Exhibitions
Idaho Watercolor Society East Region Winter 2026 Exhibition at the College of Eastern Idaho February 2 and February 27th, 2026 Idaho Falls, ID
Museum Artists Exhibit at the Art Museum of Idaho January 22 – March 14, 2026 Idaho Falls, ID
Small Works for the Holidays at Yellow Studio December 6, 2025-February 8th, 2026 Cross River, NY
3rd Annual Solstice at the Confluence Center December 5,2025-January 30th, 2026 Missoula, MT
Art Grows, Rexburg Gallery, Rexburg, Idaho, June 21st -July 13th, 2025
Art & Soul, Full Moon Gallery, Twin Falls, Idaho, June 9th- July 1st, 2023
Eagle Rock Art Guild Spring Art Show, College of Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho, March 31st -April 12th, 2023
The Wall, The Shelf, and Santa’s Stocking, Full Moon Gallery, Twin Falls, Idaho November 3rd – December 31st, 2022
Art Mart, Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, November 9th – December 31st, 2022
2022 Eastern Idaho State Fair Art Gallery, Blackfoot, Idaho, August 30th – September 7th, 2022
ART Idaho, Art Museum of Eastern Idaho August 20th – October 29th, 2022
Art Walks & Events
Pearl Street Arts Fest, Boulder, Colorado July 18-20th, 2025
Art Walk at Willard Arts Center Idaho Falls, Idaho July 3rd, 2025
Summerfest Arts Faire, Logan, Utah June 12-14th, 2025
Art Walk at Willard Arts Center Idaho Falls, Idaho June 5th, 2025
Parade of Homes, Idaho Falls, Idaho, September 12-14th and September 19-22th, 2024
Jackson Hole Art Fair, Jackson, Wyoming, July 26th-28th, 2024
Art Stroll, Mud Lake Museum Art Walk, Terreton, Idaho, May 31st, 2024
Art Stroll, Romance Theater, Rexburg, Idaho, May 3rd, 2024
Odyssey Chamber Orchestra’s Art and Music Show, Downtown Event Center, Idaho Falls, Idaho, April 28th, 2024
East Idaho Home & Garden Show, Mountain America Center, Idaho Falls, Idaho, April 19th-20th, 2024
Visit Idaho Falls Experience Grand Re-Opening Idaho Falls, Idaho, April 12th, 2024
Haunted Wine and Tasting Art Show, The Hospital of Lost Souls, Shelley, Idaho, October 12th, 2023
Artist’s Spotlight at Gate City Coffee Shop, Art Walk, Pocatello, Idaho, October 6th, 2023
Eastern Idaho Visitor’s Center Grand Reveal & Ribbon Cutting, Idaho Falls, Idaho, September 21, 2023
Annual Sidewalk Art Festival, Eagle Rock Art Guild, Idaho Falls, Idaho, July 22-23, 2023
Maker’s Fair, Museum of Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho, December 10th, 2022
Awards and Publications
Honorable Mention, Mud Lake Museum Art Walk, Terreton, Idaho May 31st, 2024
To the Point Magazine November 2025 Issue
Artist Talk Magazine November 2023 Issue
Affiliations
Art Museum of Idaho – Member
Colored Pencil Society of America Chapter 217 Idaho Falls – Member
Idaho Watercolor Society – Member
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center West Yellowstone, Montana- Vendor
Zoo Idaho Pocatello, Idaho – Vendor