“Rhodes”

By Selma Grows
Originally from Marin County, this week’s featured artist, Niki Rhodes, has been from Nebraska to Virginia to Boston and San Francisco and now proudly calls the Coachella Valley her home. She has been a SELMA affiliate for over 6 months and has already completed 2 Public Benefit showings during the El Paseo Art Walk, Palm Desert.
Raised by a single father and widower grandfather, this newly expecting mother recalls having difficulty focusing on anything but creating art from a young age. Rhodes was lucky enough to have a support system that encouraged and even nurtured these desires. Looking back she remembers her father (the house painter) lining her bedroom floor with various cans of leftover paint, prompting her to explore with color all over her bedroom walls. Rhodes expresses extreme gratitude to her grandfather who always told her, “…Be yourself and don’t let anybody EVER tell you to be something you’re not.”
Her favorite part of her art is how everything feels very spiritual. “I feel that my connection with my surroundings and the people I (choose to associate with) are strong. My mind is clear. Everything I do reflects 100% of what I feel and it comes out perfectly. I am not afraid to share what’s inside of Me,” states Rhodes.
Rhodes’ commitment to self-expression has proven honorable for her. She is now a self-supporting artist and has been commissioned for ample amounts of work all by word of mouth. One of her documentable accomplishments; a series of murals gracing the walls of 5 Cross Fit Gyms across southern California! On an impressive side note: Miss Rhodes actually assisted a Mr. Chad Kibbey in building the Cross Fit Shifted Gym in Palm Desert (www.crossfitshifted.com), and she continues to be avid in health and wellness.
Rhodes is excited to begin investing time in local gallery showings with a dream of earning the opportunity to show for Melissa Morgan Galleries, Palm Desert. Rhodes is also getting ready to offer an all ages Color Theory Program for SELMA Members in 2013.
“As long as I never give up and I am always helping other people my life will fare well for me,” states Rhodes.
If you are interested in supporting this local artist you can check her out at www.nikirhodesart.com or email her directly at nikirhodesart@gmail.com
Support and Education for Local Music and Arts, Coachella valley Chapter 1 (www.selmagrows.org)