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
Solo Exhibitions
Willard Arts Center, Hall Gallery, September 4-November 9th, 2025
Willard Arts Center, Hall Gallery, September 7 – November 12th, 2023
Group Exhibitions
Small Works Art Show, Yellow Studio New York Gallery, Cross River, New York, December 6- February 8th, 2026
Colored Pencil Society of America Idaho Falls Chapter 217 Art Show, Willard Art Center, Idaho Falls, Idaho September 4th-5th, 2025
Bingham Arts Council 6th Annual Holiday Art Show, Candy Gallery, Blackfoot, Idaho, November 16th, 2024 -January 3rd, 2025
Art of the Gift: Tiny Treasures, Full Moon Gallery, Twin Falls, Idaho, November 9th, 2023- January 2nd, 2024
Art Grows, Rexburg Gallery, Rexburg, Idaho, June 21st -July 13th, 2023
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
Art Mart, Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, November 9 – December 31st, 2022
2022 Eastern Idaho State Fair Art Gallery, Blackfoot, Idaho, August 30th – September 7, 2022
ART Idaho, Art Museum of Eastern Idaho August 20 – October 29th, 2022
Art Walks & Events
Live Event Artist for City Council Gala at Downtown Event Center Idaho Falls, ID March 20th, 2025
Art Drawings Judge for Art Fair at Rigby High School Rigby, ID February 23rd, 2025
Live Event Artist for Heart Ball at Mountain American Center Idaho Falls, ID February 20th, 2025
Breckenridge August Art Festival at Breckenridge, CO August 7-9th, 2025
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
Two Wall Mural of Badlands in for Flint Rock Retreat Motel Rigby, Idaho August 2024
Jackson Hole Art Fair, Jackson, Wyoming, July 26-28th, 2024
Art Stroll, Mud Lake Museum Art Walk, Terreton, Idaho, May 31st, 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
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
Top 100, 4th Annual WINGS Show, Wild Heart Gallery, Redlands, California, October 1st, 2025
Honorable Mention, Mud Lake Museum Art Walk, Terreton, Idaho May 31st, 2024
To the Point Magazine November 2025 Issue
Artist Talk Magazine December 2023-January2024
Affiliations
Watercolor Society of Southeastern Idaho – Member
Colored Pencil Society of America, Idaho Falls Chapter 217- Member
Art Museum of Idaho – Member
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center West Yellowstone, Montana- Vendor
Zoo Idaho Pocatello, Idaho – Vendor