Sisters artist offers calendar Kickstarter

Kimry Jelen is internationally renowned for her exquisite equestrian paintings. While all of us can enjoy original Kimry Jelen paintings in public places like the Lakeside Bistro at Black Butte Ranch, for many, the most accessible way to put her work on the wall is through her annual equine fine art wall calendar.

This year, due to some unforeseen circumstances, Jelen has turned to the community to fund the completion of the calendar. She is in the last push on a $8,358 Kickstarter campaign, which ends November 25.

"The calendar has already been printed and is in the final stages," Jelen told The Nugget.

The calendar features 12 new images, and the artist is excited about the enhanced quality of the 2017 edition.

"We've improved the calendar from years past," she said. "We keep trying to make it better."

Jelen worked hand-in-hand with printing consultant Connexion on the project, which was printed in Oregon.

"It's a local product," Jelen said. "It's offset printing this time, which is a big deal for an artist."

It's a big deal because that printing technique allows for more detail to come across to the viewer. Jelen worked hands-on in the production, working to get everything exactly the way she wanted it.

"It was a great learning experience and super fun working with them," she said.

She was also able to create her own type design instead of working with a template.

"I think it's a more elegant design this time," she said. "It focuses more on the image."

Jelen has crafted a variety of packages of rewards for Kickstarter supporters, starting at $5 and going up from there. In order to participate in bringing the calendar to life, visit Kickstarter and search for Kimry Jelen Equine Fine Art Wall Calendar. You can also link through Facebook on the Kimry Jelen Artist page or click on this direct link Kickstarter campaign.