Chelsie Yiouvanoglou was born in Garden City, Kan., and raised in Lakin, Kan., and has been a Kansas resident for the past seven years. Prior to becoming a Kansan, she lived in the Big Apple - New York City for nine years.
"(We relocated) to be closer to family and to raise our children in a small town," she said.
Now, she calls Ulysses home, having moved here about five years ago.
Yiouvanoglou is one of the artists who showcases her talent at the Main ARTery in Ulysses.
"I began moving my paintings and prints into the Main ARTery in October," she said. "Currently, I have one original acrylic painting on canvas, two canvas prints, and several 8x10's available in print form. I have two more large original acrylic canvas paintings that will be in the gallery soon."
Yiouvanoglou says she works primarily in acrylic paints on large canvases.
"Most of my paintings depict human, animal and plant portraits," she said, adding that, "I have always loved art."
Art is more than a hobby or passion for Yiouvanoglou.
"I have chronic pain and painting is the only thing that helps me to focus and go somewhere, where the pain can't reach me," she said.
She is not sure how to describe her concept of art, her aesthetic.
"I'm not really sure," she explained. "Dynamic abstract portraiture seems to be a good place to start."
When asked who her favorite artists were, Yiouvanoglou named a few.
"I'm fascinated by anyone who paints, in general, but I love the brilliant coloras and landscapes of Eyvind Earle," she said. "I love the simplicity and madness of Yayoi Kusama. As a student, I was a big fan of Roy Lichtenstein."
Yiouvanoglou and her husband, Paul, have a daughter, Daphne. Her father, Price Shipley lives in Ulysses with them.
"My mother passed away this past May," she said.
When she's not busy with her personal art, Yiouvanoglou can be found at Sullivan Elementary, where she teaches art. Her husband teaches sixth grade social studies at Kepley Middle School.
"I am passionate about art education and want to share what quality education and creativity have done for my life," Yiouvanoglou said.
Prior to teaching art, Yiouvanoglou taught special education for one year at Ulysses High School and three years at Kepley Middle School.
Other interests of Yiouvanoglou include woodworking and refinishing furniture.
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