Meet the Artists

Kelsey started at Momentum in the middle of the pandemic and was immediately inspired by the vast array of artists that came through the studio. As a child, she always wanted to be an artist but didn’t dare to pursue her artistic journey. With the encouragement of her wife and son and the support of the Momentum and Mainframe communities, Kelsey now has the confidence to call herself an artist. It is her goal to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals from all walks of life to find their passions and chase their dreams.

Annette is a mixed media artist living in Des Moines, Iowa.

Kelly Ostdiek is a neurodivergent idea machine with a sticky on/off switch. She’s often inspired by current events and her own continuous emotional journey to self-discovery and acceptance. She likes to explore, and attempts to master, various styles and mediums including acrylic and watercolor paint, crochet/sewing textiles, pencil/ink drawing, and beading jewelry. She pulls inspiration from many professional and amateur artists, but Great Grandma Ludvina is one of her strongest influences. Kelly’s first career is in occupational therapy and she loves working with folks who have special needs and mental health conditions. She was first introduced to Momentum as a service provider, but quickly felt at home in the studio space.

Des Moines based artist, Katie Gazzo, has been creating since she could hold a pencil. As a child, art helped her survive as she used it to escape the troubles of being a youth in the foster care system. As she grew, so did her art. Starting her art career as a tattoo artist, she found more passion in her painting. Since then, she has found ways to express her own mental health struggles, attempts to raise awareness for others regarding things such as social injustice, mental health crisis reform, economic unfairness, food insecurity and more within her acrylic creations.

Josh started doing art for fun as a young child. He started making graphic novels in 2014 and is a huge fan of comic books, movies and superheroes. He said he likes to use art as an enjoyable coping mechanism and he looks forward to his time in the art studio. He said, “Art is anything creative that helps give me momentum.” He loves playing chess and won “Best in Show” with his Sonic the Hedgehog Chess Set at Momentum’s annual Works of Growth & Recovery Exhibition in 2023.

Eden’s drawings began where words ended. In life, we learn to keep secrets knowing the punishment that telling brings. Will we be believed? Blackmailed? Or will we be cruelly discarded when our truths are too inconvenient, too devastating…too dark? The pen is a mighty weapon with a heavy cost to its wielder. So Eden took up drawing and found freedom where words might have trapped her. Eden goes from the depths to the surface silently, yet she empowered to speak. And she have so many stories to tell.

Shelby started making art from a young age and was encouraged by her teachers through school. Once she found Momentum, she began to create more and now enjoys coming into the studio with her dog, Takara. Shelby can typically be found surrounded by a myriad of supplies and creating masterpieces amidst the mess.

Rhonda has been coming to Momentum for many years and has made great friendships at the studio. Her dog, Mimi, has become the Momentum mascot and a true comfort to artists who walk through the doors. Rhonda can turn what many consider junk into masterpieces!

Alex is an avid pour painter and lover of *glitter*. You can typically find her at Momentum, covered in paint, and socializing with other artists. She enjoys making art because it is a good outlet for her anxiety and allows her to express herself.

Leo is a motivational speaker who uses drawings as a visual aid. He tells true stories about fitting in, building talent and character, and having autism. Leo has been featured in many local exhibitions and is an active member of the Momentum and Mainframe communities.

Laura creates textile collages featuring beloved pop culture icons and themes. She is never without a needle and thread and spends her time upcycling old clothing to fit her unique style. You can find her fits at XO Studio in West Des Moines.

Through linoleum prints and gouache paintings, Emily explores universal stories that connect us. Myths and folktales repeat across cultures. These archetypes tie us together and remind us that, despite our differences, we are all human. Emily uses tropes and characters from Greek, Nordic, Egyptian, and Chinese stories to create images that comment on love, loss, and suffering.

Abby Niederhauser is a pop culture artist who makes art centered around her favorite subject matter, the 90’s decade. From cartoons to childhood toys to retro video game characters, Abby has made hundreds of paintings of 90’s pop culture references. The art is a reflection of herself and her interests and her experience with Autism. Abby has a lot of fun with the entire process of designing and creating each painting with the use of bright colors and patterns. She enjoys documenting her art on her social media as Abby’s Rad Art.

Keturah has been coming to Momentum for many years. She is known for her colorful, abstract, multimedia creations and her infectious smile. Keturah enjoys coming into the studio to socialize with friends; she knows no strangers and will immediately make you feel welcome.

Meet the Artists

Kelsey Burr

Annette Russell

Kelly Ostdiek

Katie Gazzo

Josh Hable

Eden Sampaguita

Shelby Kellis

Rhonda Smartt

Alex Fountain

Leo Bird

Laura Merkley

Emily Ma

Abby Niederhauser

Keturah Moretz