ArtBistro

Artist's work tackles difficult issues"by Chris Dondoros

Article on Aunia Kahn and d.Art

"Artist's work tackles difficult issues"

by Chris Dondoros

Springfield Republican, cover of Lifestyles section

Aunia Kahn never meant to show her art to anyone.
Ironic, given the amount of attention the illinois based artists had received nationally over the course of the past three years, when she first made the decision to put her often-times edgy and thought-provoking artwork on display.
Her current stop is Easthampton's d.Art Gallery, where the works of Kahn as well as other artists both local and international, are on display through march 4th.
"Every month at the gallery we have a new show" said megan Glanville, one of d.Art's managers. Each show contains diferent types of media ranging from painting to sculptures and also has its own theme.
'February's theme is 'the many faces of love' ". she said.
Although d.Art provides a spotlight for local artists, the gallery, which has only been open since September, has already attracted up=and-coming artists nationwide.
One such artust is Kahn, strong-willed and energetic woman who isn't afraid to tackle more difficult issues with her art-work.
"Its like putting the story of my soul on a wall" she said of her paintings. "I deal with a lot of issues such as domestic violence. It was never meant to show anybody, the reason I kept doing it was because of the feedback." she said.
This feedback has inspired her to put her artwork on display more and more -10 shows in 2005, 30 shows in 2006, and 60 shows last year.
Not to mention she's also an aspiring singer, somposer and writer on the side.
Kahn has, too, immersed herself into a number of different causes and organizations.
"I'm involved in animal rescue, I donate to AIDS 9research) I donate to cancer research." she said, also noting her involvement with the mental Health Outreach Program.
'I work very hard to connect with people. I'm very thankful" said Kahn of her recent success. "You have to help people along the way."

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