Megan Fowler (charcoal and graphite on paper) is a Kansas City-based artist, specializing in portraiture.

Megan primarily uses charcoal and graphite to bring energy and pause to expressive moments otherwise overlooked. She is most influenced by portrait artist Chuck Close, as well as contemporary artists Joseph Martinez and Justin Kaufman. She grew up in Topeka, studying under Robert Ault and spent time at Kansas City Art Institute’s Pre-College ArtLab. Megan is a clinical social worker by trade, working in the field of substance use disorder treatment and recovery. She and her wife, Julianne, are thrilled to become parents this August, and Megan can’t wait to teach her daughter everything she loves about art. She is grateful for the opportunity to bring some pieces to the Writer’s Place in collaborative celebration of the creative life of Kansas City’s LGBTQ community.

Sarah Kendrick (photography) says, I am a self-taught photographer who has been fortunate to have learned from some of the best teachers who are also friends. I feel blessed that it didn’t take a lifetime to find what I love to do, and what never feels like work.  What started off as a hobby, transformed quickly into passion and now a career. Twelve years pass in the blink of an eye when you do something that you love.

I've always loved that feeling I get when I walk into a space, whether it be on a hike, in a restaurant or in someone's home and it feels warm and inviting. You can feel the fluid energy in the space. Over the years I've learned that this feeling doesn't just happen, there are many factors that come together to create this vibe. There's color that corresponds well together, lighting, mood and of course balance. It's always been my goal to try to capture what feeling I have through imagery and to create art that can be elevated to its optimum potential.