We had the good fortune of connecting with Elleona Kristine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elleona, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I use my art as a form of advocacy. My art is raw and unapologetic to convey the harsh reality and effects of social issues. My art brings awareness and open conversations about social issues creatively.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My most well known painting is “I didn’t want to self-destruct” It is about generational trauma. My other painting called “The Hands of the Named” Is about gun violence and features names of victims who died here in Ypsi.

I create art about social issues that hit close to home. My art is my way of bringing awareness to these topics. A lesson I had to learn is how to have confidence within myself and my art. It took a lot of courage to be able to put my art out there.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spot in the city is downtown! There is a lot of great places to eat and shop.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give credit to Elevation Youth corp. They are a non profit organization dedicated to the creative arts and have a non violence initiative. EYC has opened many doors for me within my community. I love my EYC family and all the support they have given me. Also my art mentor Lynn Settles

Instagram: @ElleonaKristine

Image Credits
Your Imagie pro (My Dad)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.