Kathleen Van Lieu, a self-taught abstract artist, brings a unique perspective and approach to her craft. Born in Elmhurst, Illinois, Van Lieu moved to the suburban community of Cherry Hill, NJ as a child, where she spent her formative years. 

 

Van Lieu's interest in art was piqued at the young age of seven, during a sidewalk art show near her hometown where abstract pieces caught her eye. In these early years, she learned that she was the solitary ardent art enthusiast in her familial circle. Despite her family's apprehension about the viability of the field as a career causing her resolve to wax and wane, she continued looking and learning. During high school, she frequently visited art museums and galleries. Her high school, Cherry Hill HS West, had an excellent art program that nurtured her initial proclivity for the arts. Then, Rutgers University college level art history continued to give her a strong visual background. 

     

After her schooling years, she found herself in the serene and picturesque milieu of Nantucket Island. This artistic oasis, renowned for its active support of art, burgeoned her creativity. She honed her skills with the encouragement and guidance she received from the Nantucket Artists Association, where she became a life member serving on the Board and committees. In this supportive environment, later supplemented by insightful critique groups, she further built her style. Van Lieu's distinct style - a product of years of self-experimentation and learning - is recognized by its atmospheric color blending, texture and line work.

 

She continues in her stride toward success, despite a lack of formal education. Since moving to Omaha, NE, her enthusiasm for learning and development manifests in solo shows, exhibiting with several galleries and pop-up shows, and various juried shows. Within her creations and exhibitions, she sees the culmination of her dedication and passion. The spectrum of her work reflects a long career. Over time, her paintings have won various awards and honors that echo the diligence she has showered upon her work. 

 

This bold, self-taught artist's journey uniquely exemplifies the resilience of intrinsic talent nurtured by her drive and determination. Creating art is as much a necessity as eating, sleeping, and exercising for Van Lieu, rooted in her personal exploration and creativity. Believing her role as an artist is to examine and challenge current culture, her work resonates on a universal level. Her dedication is reflected in her work, enriching the artistic world with her distinctive style. 

 

              Solo and Juried Exhibitions

                                          Contemporary 2024, 26                          

                Art Fluent: The Big Chill 2026 

                                    Ming Toy Gallery Lunar Year 2024, 25           

             BOLD! 2024 and 2025

              Moonrise Gallery Oct 2024

              Bemis Art Gallery Auction 2024

               Bouteloua, Glacier Creek 2023, 24

              ANAC 2022, 2023

              Split Gallery February 2022

              Apollon Art Center 2020      

                        National Arts Drive June 2020

                  Artists’ Assn of Nantucket Spotlight Artist 2019  

                      Artist’s Assn of Nantucket Galas 2015, 16, 17,18,19

                     Young’s Bicycle Shop: 2000 & 2016

                            Nantucket Arts Festival Week 2011 - 2019 

                         Upper Deck 2012

              Offshore Arts 2008 – 2009

              George Thomas Gallery 1993 

 

 

 

              Articles and Interviews

              Map and Legend 1997

              Xanadu Gallery Blog 2023

              Moonrise Gallery 2023-2024

 

Service

            Private group and individual teaching  

         Nantucket Artists’ Association 

              Board of Directors 

  Strategic Planning Committee 

             Gallery Committee Chair 

             New Artist Review Committee