Aaron Kizer Hosts Vol. 3 momento mori Art Show in Owensboro

Aaron Kizer has been one of, if not THE most well-known artists in Owensboro for well over a decade now. I remember that because I went to my first Kizer show several years before my child was born. I was working downtown at a cool little spot called Studio Slant, and we were right up the block from Aaron's studio.

Even though he was introverted and focused on his work, my friend Kat and I were the opposite. Lol! We distracted him all the time to come help us with random tasks or just to hang. The first time I saw him paint live, I was blown away. I had seen live painting before, but not the way he did it.

Canvas upside down, paint all over his clothes and shoes, and flying all over the place on stage, with music in the background (that awesome Elle Goulding song 'Lights'). There's no way that was the same guy! The COOLEST! He did what he came to do and pretty much disappeared. It was clear that he wasn't doing any of it for the attention or praise. It was for the sake of the art and bringing something cool to the community.

Over the years, Aaron has continued to plan and participate in local shows and events. He has created the coolest murals in town, the City of Owensboro's annual Christmas card, hosted and supported fundraisers, and his construction team has given life and personality to some of the most popular places around town.

Now, he travels all across the country to do his thing. Working with athletes and celebrities, but is still not interested in the spotlight. He does it for the love of art and creating something useful, beautiful, meaningful...

The reasons why anyone in Owensboro pursues creativity. Very few make the plunge to do it full time, and those who do HUSTLE THEIR TAILS OFF. No one understands that more than Aaron, so for the second time this year, he is hosting a live art show that will also feature local artists.

This year, nineteen folks will join him in showing their work at the Convention Center on October 30th. The event is called 'Vol. 3 memento mori,' which I assumed was to go along with a Halloween theme. While there will be a costume contest and some incredible prizes, the title is more than that.

'Memento mori' is Latin for "Remember death" or "Remember you must die." The second part of the phrase is "memento vivere," or "Remember to live." They serve as reminders to be present and not to let the days fly by. We get so busy in our routines that we sometimes forget how fleeting time is.

This concept hit me hard as a creative person who puts my art on the back burner more often than not these days. I get to the end of a crazy day running all around town and checking off my lists, and I don't have gas left in the tank to do things I love. That's part of the reason I signed up to be one of Aaron's artists this time. I needed a reminder of why I do what I do.

I'm not a Picasso, but that's not the point. I have been painting for 20+ years, and although the carpal tunnel is creeping in, I will hopefully keep going for another 20 more. I'm super excited and honored to join the other artists on October 30th. They are all listed at the bottom of this flyer.

Some of them I know, are absolutely incredible. Others I have never met before, and I can't wait to see what they do. I know a lot of them have social media pages if you want to find them and give them a follow.

Come join us at Vol. 3 momento mori to see the magic in person by clicking this link for tickets. They are pay-what-you-can, so that no matter your circumstances, you can enjoy art here in Owensboro. Thanks to Aaron for supporting local artists and making this event accessible for all.