Kim Conway

My creative journey spans more than five decades, first writing poetry at age 10, learning embroidery earlier; eventually producing art in pointillism, batik, block carving, handmade decor of various mediums, and jewelry making. Creating in bursts throughout my life while navigating the demands of a career and family. I have worked in wellness for the last 30+ years, first in various western medicine positions, later in holistic health, and since 2015 in my own private practice in Integrative Nutrition.  This gives me the freedom to do what I love; create pieces rooted in connection, and the belief that art is meaningful in all forms, whether through spoken word, wearable art, painted or mixed-media creations. 

In the early 2000s, my poetry was published in local magazines such as Echoes of LBI, the magazine section of the Asbury Park Press, and others. In 2021, I returned to writing in earnest and became involved with the NJ Poetry Renaissance, a community that deeply influenced me. I was inspired by the way encouragement, performance, and community helped writers of all experience levels find their voices and grow into published poets.

When I moved to the Island permanently in the Fall of 2024, I wanted to bring that same spirit of accessibility and fellowship here. Partnering with local poet Joanne Durham, in conjunction with Island Arts Council, we began a two-hour monthly poetry program featuring a guest poet and an open mic. The first gathering in February 2025 had five readers and ten people in attendance.

The program has rapidly expanded, with a featured poet each month from outside the local group, 13–15 open mic readers, and audiences of 30–40 people. Its evolving reputation has attracted poets from throughout NC, and featured poets are currently scheduled through May 2027. I am passionate about creating welcoming spaces where poetry is available to everyone, regardless of qualifications or proficiency. My hope is to marry art and poetry with an exhibit of Ekphrastic poetry in 2027. 

My current artistic expression extends beyond poetry, creating mixed-media pieces using resin, shells, fabric, and candle making for holiday and home décor. I also design beaded and pictured glass cabochon earrings.

For the majority of my life, my artwork and poetry were primarily made as gifts for family and friends.  But in February 2025 with my art and life partner Alan Votta, we opened a shop called From the Earth and Hearth in The Village, a vendor collective, where my artwork is now available for sale to the public. Participating in this year’s Art in the Yard marks another exciting step in my continuing creative journey.