Kit Porter’s Final Exhibition: A Reflection of Her Life, Struggle, and Hope
Kit Porter, a mixed media artist who lived and worked in Beaufort, South Carolina, passed away on December 25, 2023, after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 40 years old. Porter was known for her abstract paintings that explored the themes of nature, time, and memory. She had exhibited her work in various galleries and museums across the country and had received several awards and grants for her artistic achievements.
A Life of Art and Inspiration
He was born in 1983 in Charleston, South Carolina, to a family of artists and musicians. She developed a passion for art at an early age and attended the University of the South, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting in 2005. She then moved to Beaufort, where she set up her studio and began her career as a professional artist.
Kit Porter’s work was influenced by her surroundings, especially the coastal landscape and the sea. She used a variety of materials and techniques, such as acrylic, oil, collage, and resin, to create layered and textured compositions that reflected her personal experiences and emotions. She often incorporated natural elements, such as sand, shells, and driftwood, into her paintings, giving them a sense of depth and dimension.
Porter’s work was also inspired by her travels, as she visited different places around the world, such as France, Italy, Spain, Morocco, and India. She documented her journeys through her paintings, capturing the colors, shapes, and patterns of the cultures and environments she encountered. She also collected objects and souvenirs from her trips, which she later incorporated into her artworks.
Porter’s work was well-received by critics and audiences alike, who praised her for her originality, creativity, and expression. She had solo and group exhibitions in various venues, such as the Beaufort Art Center, the Charleston Museum of Art, the Savannah College of Art and Design, and the New York Art Fair. She also participated in several residencies and workshops, such as the Vermont Studio Center, the Santa Fe Art Institute, and the Penland School of Crafts. She received numerous awards and grants, such as the South Carolina Arts Commission Fellowship, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, and the Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant.
Kit Porter’s Death and Obituary
Kit Porter was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 when she was 38 years old. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but the cancer spread to other parts of her body. She continued to paint and exhibit her work, despite the physical and emotional challenges of her illness. She also used her art as a way of raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support. She donated some of her paintings to charity auctions and events, such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Porter’s last exhibition was held in November 2023, at the Beaufort Art Center, where she showcased her latest series of paintings, titled “Time and Tide”. The series was a reflection of her life, her struggle, and her hope. She used bright and vibrant colors, such as pink, purple, and blue, to convey a sense of optimism and joy. She also used circular and spiral shapes, to symbolize the cycles of life and nature. She said that the series was a tribute to her family, friends, and fans, who supported her throughout her journey.
He passed away peacefully on December 25, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. She is survived by her husband, James Porter, her parents, John and Mary Porter, her brother, Luke Porter, and her sister, Amy Porter. She is also remembered by her colleagues, peers, and admirers, who celebrated her life and work.
Porter’s legacy lives on through her art, which continues to inspire and touch people around the world. Her work is featured in several public and private collections, such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work is also available online, through her website, kitporterstudios.com, where people can view her portfolio, biography, and CV.
Porter’s family and friends have also established a foundation in her name, the Kit Porter Foundation, which aims to support emerging and established artists, especially women and minorities, who are facing challenges or hardships in their lives. The foundation provides grants, scholarships, mentorships, and residencies to artists who are pursuing their artistic dreams and goals. The foundation also partners with other organizations and institutions, such as the Beaufort Art Center, the South Carolina Arts Commission, and the Joan Mitchell Foundation, to promote and foster the arts and culture in the community.
Kit’s family and friends have also organized a memorial service and a celebration of life for her, which will be held on January 15, 2024, at the Beaufort Art Center, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The event will feature a tribute to Porter’s life and work, as well as a display of some of her paintings. The event is open to the public, and anyone who wishes to attend is welcome.
Porter’s family and friends have also requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Kit Foundation, or to any of the charities that Porter supported, such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the American Cancer Society, or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
A Talented Artist, Gone Too Soon
Kit Porter was a talented artist, who left a mark on the world with her art. She was also a loving wife, daughter, sister, and friend, who touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, and spirit. She was a fighter, who faced her illness with courage, grace, and dignity. She was a dreamer, who followed her passion and vision. She was a star, who shone brightly and beautifully.She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
