Kate Kelly (sculptor) facts for kids

Hawaiian Head (Joseph "Red" Kaua), a bronze sculpture by Kate Kelly, 1933–4. You can see it at the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Kate Kelly (born Katherine Kelly, 1882–1964) was a talented American artist. She was known for creating beautiful sculptures and prints. Kate was born in California. Her mother, Hester Lambert Harland, was a suffragette, which means she worked hard for women's right to vote.

Kate first visited Hawaii when she was 16 years old, in 1898. She studied art at the Partington Art School in San Francisco. There, she met John Melville Kelly, who was also a painter and printmaker. They got married in 1908.

Kate Kelly's Life in Hawaii

After living in San Francisco, Kate and John moved to Hawaii in 1923. They planned to stay for only a year. John had a job creating advertisements to encourage tourism. But they quickly fell in love with the islands and the people. They decided to stay there permanently.

Becoming Champions of Native Hawaiians

The Kellys felt a strong connection with the native Hawaiian people. They became champions for them. They showed their support through their art and writings. Kate even took a class in printmaking at the University of Hawaii. Her teacher was Huc-Mazelet Luquiens. After learning the techniques, Kate then taught her husband, John, how to make prints.

Focusing on Her Husband's Art

Sadly, Kate's eyesight began to fail in the mid-1930s. Because of this, she stopped creating her own art. Instead, she spent her time helping to promote her husband's artistic career.

Famous Sculptures by Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly created several important sculptures. Many of them are in public places in Hawaii. Here are some of her well-known works:

• Hawaiian Head, Joseph “Red” Kaua: This is a bronze bust, made around the 1930s. You can find it at the John Dominis and Patches Damon Holt Gallery in the Honolulu Museum of Art.
• Kaipo, Sketch of a Hawaiian Chinese Boy: This is another bronze bust, created in 1933. It is also at the John Dominis and Patches Damon Holt Gallery in the Honolulu Museum of Art.
• Bas-relief of King Kalākaua: A bas-relief is a type of sculpture that is carved so it sticks out slightly from a flat surface. This one shows King Kalākaua. It is located at the old Bethel Street Police Station in Honolulu.
• Amelia Earhart plaque: This plaque honors the famous pilot Amelia Earhart. It is at the Diamond Head Lookout in Honolulu.