| DKLA Design |
First, Don Kennell and Lisa Adler fell in love. Then they made an art car. Then they had a couple of babies. They both did their graduate work at Rutgers University, he in art, she in the social sciences. This was in the nineties. They have been collaborators ever since. Love is a founding principle of their partnership and of the company that they run today. Don and Lisa’s first art collaboration was an art car commissioned by “Art Matters” of New York City. This interactive, mobile art event travelled the country in the summer of 1995.
"We love what we do. We love the animals and the natural environments that inspire our artworks. We love connecting with the communities where our sculptures are located. And we love bringing something of beauty into the world that resonates with the viewer. As a company, our mission is to activate public space while bringing nature into human consciousness."
-Don Kennell
The art car was an experiment in making a community out of strangers. As we passed through town after city after town, we met people, took their picture with the art car, developed the film (the old days!) and mailed out the pictures as post cards to our audience.
Don and Lisa moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2000. We wanted to raise our family close to wide-open spaces and to be in a city with a thriving arts community. Don maintained a career as an artist and Lisa taught at the College of Santa Fe while they both raised their daughters. In the early 2000’s Lisa led a number of community initiatives that connected students with local businesses, nonprofits and community development projects. During this time, Don and Lisa co-taught classes on the intersection of art and society.
"We believe that space matters to human feelings and human endeavors. We believe that life is better when people feel connected to each other and to the places where we live. That connection makes people care about their community. When people care, life is better." -Lisa Adler
DKLA Design was incorporated in 2015. Don makes design drawings and leads the fabrication crew. Lisa focuses on community engagement. Our designs draw people in, to develop a relationship that connects the viewer to the place and the art becomes a part of a person’s experience. This synergy between the location, the artwork and viewer is significant. It is the goal of public art: to bring art into peoples’ lives.
Pop Gallery is pleased to represent DKLA Design in Santa Fe, NM. We work with designers and private as well as corporate collectors on commission and personal projects, for indoor or outdoor use. Direct inquiries to Sharla@popsantafe.com or by phone to 505.820.0788.
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