Hope Between Storms: When Art Becomes a Message of Hope

Sometimes, a painting becomes something more than the sum of its colors and hours spent in the studio. Sometimes, it becomes a way to share a little hope with someone who might need it. This past September, I had the honor of donating my acrylic painting, Hope Between Storms, to the 2026 Dance for Life Suicide Awareness Gala at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City. Measuring 24 × 30 inches, the painting was inspired by the quiet reminder that even when life feels dark and overwhelming, light can still find its way through the clouds. I wanted to capture that moment when a break in the storm reminds us that difficult times do not last forever, and that hope can exist even when we cannot yet see what comes next. Creating this piece took approximately 21.5 hours, but its purpose extended far beyond the time spent painting. I hoped it might help support a cause that touches so many lives and families. At the gala, Hope Between Storms received its first bid about 20 minutes into the auction. The painting ultimately sold for $551. Knowing that someone valued the painting enough to take it home while also contributing to suicide awareness made the experience especially meaningful to me. It was a wonderful reminder that art can connect people in ways we may never fully know. I am deeply grateful to the organizers of the Dance for Life gala, everyone who participated in the auction, and the person who brought Hope Between Storms home. Thank you for helping give this painting a purpose beyond my studio walls. As an artist, I hope my work offers more than something to look at. I hope it gives someone a moment of comfort, a reason to pause, or a reminder that even in the middle of a difficult season, there can still be light ahead. Sometimes, all we need is a little reminder that the storm is not always permanent. — Kellyanne Art by Kellyanne