Artist Roster

Joel Thomas Keener

Work with Joel

Have funding to hire this artist? Email Joel Visit their website Call 484-433-6599

Looking for funding to hire this artist for your organization? The Delaware Division of the Arts provides grants that support small budget projects that include the presentation of performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts in communities throughout the state. Organizations that receive General Operating Support are generally not eligible to apply. Rolling deadline; submit at least 6 weeks prior to the project start date. Learn More

Born and raised in New York State, Joel moved with his wife to the Philadelphia area when he was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Fine Arts in 1977. After graduating he moved to Delaware in 1980.

Residing and working in Claymont Delaware, Joel  Has  worked in various mediums from pencil to cast bronze sculpture, his passion for art began in high school and after 57 years, this passion is still as vibrant as ever.

His adventures and philosophy in life are reflected in his work from the first hesitant marks in high school that won an award for a watercolor and ink Tree Study, the energetic scribblings that transformed his vision in the 80's to the ongoing pursuit of pushing the limits of drawing ethereal landscapes and expressive portraits.

After serving in Viet Nam, he was accepted to college and further graduated with a Master's in Fine Arts Degree in Sculpture. Joel has exhibited internationally, and his work adorns numerous private collections. Now retired from full-time teaching in higher education, he devotes much of his time to sculpture and drawing.

Working from a modest studio, he is refreshing his interest in sculpture on a larger scale than before working with epoxy clays. He finds the whole idea of armature, architecture, and finish is a new and challenging experience.

He has crafted his drawing techniques which he calls energy drawings and messy lines into a fine art teachable discipline. His energy drawings won him numerous awards when he participated in many  Science Fiction and Fantasy Art shows from 1998 to 2008. He subscribes to the idea that with this technique, almost anyone can create dynamic and beautiful drawings. His drawings range from softly toned nudes and portraits to wildly abandoned pencil and eraser strokes that burst from the paper and draw the viewer into the work with the overreaching detail.  

Artist Information

Disciplines
Sculpture, Painting, Drawing, Design Arts
Services
Workshops, Teaching Artist, Public Art, Master Classes, Lectures / Public Speaking, Exhibits, Demonstrations, Creative Aging Classes, Commissioned Work
Audiences
Older Adult, Adult
Venues
Festivals, Community Sites
Regional Availability
Northern Delaware
Contact
3609 Naamans Drive
Claymont DE 19703
484-433-6599
email

Creative Aging

Completed the three-day Creative Aging Workshops Training for Teaching Artists in January, adding the knowledge and experience to my MFA in Sculpture (1979), MS Degree in Adult and Continuing Education (2008) and 30 years working with older adults. I am presently an older adult as well. 

I love teaching as well as creating art. Along the way I have acquired a considerable amount of knowledge and expertise in the areas of Drawing, Printmaking, and Sculpture. I am also versatile in graphic art and design using Adobe Photoshop

With over 30 years in Education, 21 years in Higher education, I am excited to be involved in working with older adults. I am currently teaching courses for adults at the Community arts Center in Wallingford, PA.

I am available for drawing and sculpture workshops, classes, demonstrations., and exhibitions.

Media

The Conversation
Mermaid
The Edge
Horse
Faerie
Mother of Dragons
Bluebeard
Heartbeat
DelawareScene