About
Photo by Jennie Ketter
Becki Waugh is an American artist born of the prairie. She was born in 1977 in the middle of nowhere, the heart of the heartland, the myocardium of the United States.
Hers was a quiet upbringing. Her father doodled endlessly, ink sketches mostly, and she followed in his pen strokes.
Her work, including her unique Kansas art, can be seen on exhibit throughout Topeka Kansas, and in private collections throughout the United States. Please visit my online gallery
Becki Waugh
Born in Salina, Ks
Lives & works in Topeka, Ks
Becki Waugh is a visual artist living in Topeka, Kansas. An avid artist since childhood her more recent body of work consists primarily of watercolor & ink and acrylic on canvas. Becki has a bachelor’s degree from Baker University and a Master's degree in Art Leadership and Management from Wichita State. Her artwork can be seen on exhibit in various locations around Topeka Kansas. Recent exhibits include NOTO Arts Center, 785 Arts, and The Mayors Art Initiative. She is a recipient of a 2021 Artist, INC. Topeka fellowship and a 2023 Art Leadership Fellow through the Mid-America Art Alliance.
I didn't rise from the ashes. I dug out of a ditch, with my fingers, one clot of dirt at a time.
Artist's Statement
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My paintings are a reflection of my own experiences. An homage to community, Intended to chronical this point in the evolution of the human experience.
I often work in plien-air. Taking my creative process where the community is gathered in order to capture the activity and the energy of the people in the shared space.
When I paint an animal, it is out of reverence for the animal’s character, spirit, and energy. Whether painting a community of people, a person, an animal or a place, I strive to highlight the beauty of the individual and the rythme and energy of the space.
My images of people are simple but thought provoking. Some of my subjects are vulnerable, some are mythical. Some are real people and some are born of my imagination. The only thing required to fully appreciate my art, is an imagination of your own.
BECKI WAUGH
Visual Artist
Topeka, Kansas
EMAIL: beckiwaughartist@gmail.com
PHONE: 785-230-3951
WEBSITE: beckiwaughart.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:
Visual artist who is increasing accessibility by bringing the art experience out of the studio & gallery and into the world by working and exhibiting in unexpected public spaces. Formally trained in fine art and art management, my work in art administration is focused on art accessibility and artist engagement. In my creative work I seek to change the way people engage with the arts in communities, to record moments in history, and honor individual subjects and environments. My work can be seen on exhibit at galleries and shops regionally as well as throughout communities at Pop-Up events.
EDUCATION
2014 Bachelor of Arts
Business
Baker University
Magna cum laude
2022 Master of Arts
Art Leadership & Management
Wichita State University
Summa cum laude
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
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(December 2022 – Current) Programs Coordinator, ArtsConnect, Topeka, Ks.
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(August 2022 – Current) Painting Instructor, Painting Circle, Topeka, Ks.
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(May 2023 – June 2023) Lead Facilitator, Artist, INC, Mid-America Art Alliance, Topeka, Ks.
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(January 2023 – Current) Owner/Artist, Gus the Gallery Bus Mobile Museum, Topeka, Ks.
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(January 2023) What Works Workshop Facilitator, Mid-America Art Alliance, Topeka, Ks.
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(June 2018 – January 2020) Painting Instructor, Studio 62 Art Bar, Topeka, Ks.
EXHIBITIONS
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2023 Mayor’s Art Initiative Group Exhibition Topeka Series, 785 Arts, Topeka, Ks, United States
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2023 “Chocolate It Is” Group Exhibition, Ms. Cherry Berry and the Banana Man, NOTO Arts Center, Topeka, Ks, United States
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2022 “Traditions” Group Exhibition, The Dance, NOTO Arts Center, Topeka, Ks, United States
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2022 “Aaron Douglas Tribute” Group Exhibition, B.A.M. Black Art Matters; Blowing the Lid Off Black Art, NOTO Arts Center, Topeka, Ks, United States
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2022 “Becki Waugh Featured Artist” Solo Exhibition, Happy Basset Barrel House, Topeka, Ks United States
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2021 “Artist, INC Cohort” Group Exhibition, The Dreamer II, ArtsConnect, Topeka, Ks, United States
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2019 “Artwork of Becki Waugh” Solo Exhibition, NOTO Bistro, Topeka, Ks, United States
COMMISSIONS
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2023, Large Scale Illustrated Historical Map, Traditional Homelands of Shawnee County Kansas, Watercolor and Ink, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library in collaboration with 785 Arts. Topeka, Ks.
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2020, Signage, Male Stylist, Acrylic on Canvas, Hairslingers, Topeka, Ks.
GRANTS & AWARDS
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2023 Art Leadership Fellow
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2023 Mayor’s Initiative Artist Recognition Award
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2021 Artist, INC Fellow
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND ASSOCIATIONS
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NOTO Arts Center, Committee Member, Topeka, Ks
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LULAC Community Center, Art Instruction for Seniors, Topeka, Ks
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Classroom Art Volunteer Topeka Public Schools
