In The Gallery: The Work of Kinya Christian

When I joined Engel & Völkers Bentonville, I was thrilled to learn that our fearless leader Michelle Dearing has been a longtime champion of two things I'm equally passionate about: local art and elevating women.

 

She originally opened 211 South Gallery inside our downtown Bentonville shop as a project for her children to support as they learned and grew in the arts, and it has since become a hallmark of many other shops across our international brand.

 

When the walls were blank between showings recently, an opportunity arose to showcase the work of one of my dearest, longest friends: Kinya Christian.

We met more than two decades ago in our early 20s working together in downtown Rogers when I was a tourism director and she was the graphic designer at our agency. We clicked immediately on the creative project - we just got one another and loved working together.

In the years since, we have supported each other tirelessly through a variety of endeavors. I’m so proud to know her and call her friend.

 

I’m beyond fortunate to have some of her amazing work in my home, and right now I’m also fortunate to work alongside her work in our office every day.

 

And I’m very proud to be part of a company and to work with a leader who deeply values art and community and collaboration and elevating the work of phenomenal women.

If you’re in downtown Bentonville this summer, I’d love for you to come see Kinya's work. You can read more about each piece of art in our gallery here.

You'll usually find me working in our sunny conference room and occasionally hollering at passersby, so come say hello to me too!