Kelly Lawler is a Philadelphia based artist and maker. A newly minted MFA 2023 graduate from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Kelly plans to continue her practice with a focus on public art and social engagement. Her sculpture and painting practice is on top of a 25 year project management career in technology across the Olympics, Corporate and Non-profit worlds. Kelly holds a MS in Sports Administration from Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA) and a BFA in Graphic Design from Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA). A Landmark scholarship awardee Kelly received the schools largest Venture Fund Award to support the sculpting, mold making, casting and finishing of a life sized octopus which involved the casting of 170 lbs of aluminum into 13 pieces. “Pavel” the octopus will become public art in North Philadelphia, looking for a home that does not have, but is deserving of his company.