The ‘Canvas and Quilts’ exhibit at the Llano Fine Arts Gallery showcases the work of Ira and Kathy Kennedy, who each have their own unique style. Ira creates enchanting depictions of iconic Texas landscapes inspired by Aboriginal and Southwest petroglyphs, and Kathy stitches colorful quilts that are on display in galleries across the country. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The unique artwork of husband-wife duo Ira and Kathy Kennedy is on display at the Llano Fine Arts Guild and Gallery. Ira’s signature dotted landscapes and symbolic pieces capture Texas in a way never seen before, and Kathy’s quiltwork uses fabric to weave vibrant images of her husband’s paintings.
“Canvas and Quilts: The Art of Ira and Kathy Kennedy” runs through Sept. 28 at the gallery, 503 Bessemer Ave. in Llano. It’s part of the Llano Fine Art Guild’s ongoing series featuring Texas-based artists.
Visit the gallery from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Ira Kennedy’s style is inspired by traditional Aboriginal artwork from Australia and petroglyphs made by ancient Native Americans of the Southwest. His paintings are often iconic Texas landscapes, such as Enchanted Rock or Caprock Canyon, and primitive human figures composed of thousands of dots of paint.
Kathy Kennedy is a renowned quilter, whose work is displayed in galleries across the country. Some of her pieces use fabric taken from woven versions of Ira’s paintings.
The couple are well-known in the Texas art world and some people follow their work closely, including Denton resident Lesli Townsend, who stopped by the Llano gallery on July 13.
“I was just in the area visiting family, and I could not pass up the opportunity to see Kathy and Ira’s art,” Denton told 101HighlandLakes.com. “It’s a completely different thing to see it in person.”
