Kaylee Abbott is a lifelong resident of Mexico, where she was born and raised. A graduate of Mexico High School, she later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Truman State University with a strong emphasis in Creative Writing. 

Abbott’s artistic work reflects her curiosity, creativity, and willingness to experiment with unconventional materials. Rather than relying on traditional paints or sculpting media, she transforms everyday items, including candle wax, recycled books, and paper into richly textured works of art. She enjoys exploring new techniques and discovering the unexpected possibilities hidden within familiar materials. 

Inspired by fellow artists, online creators, and her own imagination, Kaylee continually challenges herself to learn new skills and develop original pieces. Whether sculpting landscapes from melted candle wax or crafting intricate paper sculptures, she finds joy in creating artwork that surprises both herself and those who experience it. 

The work will hang for the month of September with a special gallery opening on Sept. 1 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.. 

Wax and paper: unexpected mediums 

This exhibit showcases two unique collections by local artist Kaylee Abbott, demonstrating how ordinary materials can be transformed into extraordinary works of art. 

The majority of the exhibit features Kaylee’s distinctive candle wax paintings, created on glass picture frames, mirrors, and even repurposed ceiling fan blades. Inspired by landscape paintings, online imagery, and the instructional videos of artist Jazza, each piece begins with melted candle wax applied directly to the surface or melted in its original container. Once the wax cools, Kaylee carefully sculpts and layers it using specialized tools to create texture, depth, and movement. Additional layers of wax become snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, foaming rivers, and other natural details, resulting in landscapes that are both vibrant and remarkably dimensional. 

Complementing the wax paintings are four paper art creations inspired by artist Joleen Emery of Big Raven Farm. These pieces highlight the versatility of paper through a variety of techniques. The Mum sculptures are constructed from individually rolled paper tubes arranged into intricate floral forms. The imaginative Dragon Mums expand on that design by incorporating dragon masks, wings, and spiraling patterns that create the illusion of a dragon coiling around the flower. The collection also includes a Book Flower, crafted by carefully folding the pages of paperback books into a striking sculptural bloom. 

For Kaylee, the creative process is one of continual discovery. While every piece presents its own rewards, in her paper pieces, she finds the Dragon Mums especially meaningful because each evolves into a one-of-a-kind creation shaped by its materials and construction. Together, these works invite viewers to see familiar objects in new ways and celebrate the beauty that can emerge from imagination, patience, and unconventional artistic expression.