SowHope

Kimberly Gill

The first time she was introduced to SowHope, Kimberly Gill, a member of the SowHope Board of Directors since 2017, was inspired. “The beauty and emotion captures in Mary’s photography and the stories she shared of these women’s lives…”, Kim says, “I knew it was an organization I wanted to get involved in.” Kim approached Mary Dailey Brown, SowHope’s President/CEO, and asked if she and another artist could paint in their own style the women Mary photographed. Kim began promoting SowHope through her artwork, entering paintings in juried competitions and displaying them in group exhibitions locally and nationally, including ArtPrize.

Kim became an artist after an art therapy session changed her life. “I had a tragedy occur in my life”, she says, “not only was the art therapy experience healing…it set me on a course to become an independent fine artist.” Today, she is represented in two galleries in Michigan, Mullaly’s Studio 128 in Elk rapids and Flat River Gallery and Framing in Lowell. She is also a member of the International Society of Experimental Artists. Her passion is painting portraits with an emphasis on women and children in developing countries. Seemingly a perfect fit, Kim became involved with SowHope because “SowHope understands that improving the lives of women also improves the lives of their families, their communities, and ultimately the world. It creates a ripple effect.”

Kim Gill now sits on the Board as well as the Program and Marketing teams. of the three program areas that SowHope focuses on, she is most passionate about education. “Education is instrumental to improving wellness and economic circumstances…it inspires confidence, value, and purpose”, Kim explains, “I feel there needs to be a stronger focus on educating women.”

Based on her own experiences, Kim has a message for any young woman, “Honor yourself, your dreams, and your gifts by setting your goals high; keep moving toward them…above all, acknowledge your own unique magnificence and the power you possess to make a difference in our world.” She adds, “We all possess creative gifts…whether it’s painting, gardening, sculpting, writing, cooking, dancing…discover your own creative passion and delve into it…it’s therapeutic, it’s beautiful, and it can open up a whole new world for you.”

“Determined”, Painting by Kimberly Gill