A different kind of art

Ryan, who says her work is ‘controversial at times,’ plans to open gallery in Lexington

  • Artist Kristan Ryan often paints celebrities, musicians and animals, such as Tina Turner, an angry mother cougar, Tyler, The Creator and Kaitlin Butts. She said the painting of the cougar recently was stolen from the gallery she plans to open in downtown Lexington. (Submitted Photo)
    Artist Kristan Ryan often paints celebrities, musicians and animals, such as Tina Turner, an angry mother cougar, Tyler, The Creator and Kaitlin Butts. She said the painting of the cougar recently was stolen from the gallery she plans to open in downtown Lexington. (Submitted Photo)
  • Artist Kristan Ryan often paints celebrities, musicians and animals, such as Tina Turner, an angry mother cougar, Tyler, The Creator and Kaitlin Butts. She said the painting of the cougar recently was stolen from the gallery she plans to open in downtown Lexington. (Submitted Photo)
    Artist Kristan Ryan often paints celebrities, musicians and animals, such as Tina Turner, an angry mother cougar, Tyler, The Creator and Kaitlin Butts. She said the painting of the cougar recently was stolen from the gallery she plans to open in downtown Lexington. (Submitted Photo)
  • Artist Kristan Ryan often paints celebrities, musicians and animals, such as Tina Turner, an angry mother cougar, Tyler, The Creator and Kaitlin Butts. She said the painting of the cougar recently was stolen from the gallery she plans to open in downtown Lexington. (Submitted Photo)
    Artist Kristan Ryan often paints celebrities, musicians and animals, such as Tina Turner, an angry mother cougar, Tyler, The Creator and Kaitlin Butts. She said the painting of the cougar recently was stolen from the gallery she plans to open in downtown Lexington. (Submitted Photo)
  • Artist Kristan Ryan often paints celebrities, musicians and animals, such as Tina Turner, an angry mother cougar, Tyler, The Creator and Kaitlin Butts. She said the painting of the cougar recently was stolen from the gallery she plans to open in downtown Lexington. (Submitted Photo)
    Artist Kristan Ryan often paints celebrities, musicians and animals, such as Tina Turner, an angry mother cougar, Tyler, The Creator and Kaitlin Butts. She said the painting of the cougar recently was stolen from the gallery she plans to open in downtown Lexington. (Submitted Photo)

    Downtown Lexington will add an art gallery early next year that matches the style of the town’s newest resident.  

     

    Kristan Ryan is the owner and founder of ArtGirl’s Out Loud Art Gallery located at 104 Main St., across from the courthouse. It will serve as a gallery for her own pieces, as well as for other local artists.

     

    “I want to show the art of artists here that live in Lexington. I’m happy to do that,” Ryan said. “I think having art shows with different kinds of art is amazing, and I appreciate it.”

     

    ArtGirl’s Out Loud Gallery joins Bear Hug Honey Company and Deadwood Guitar Co. on Main Street as the newest business to join Lexington from Athens origins. 

     

    Ryan moved to Lexington when the demand for her art outgrew her home’s garage. 

     

    Bear Hug Honey Company opened a warehouse/kitchen last year to aid the company’s storefront in Athens. Deadwood Guitar Co. now operates across from the courthouse, but originally opened in Athens in 2011.

     

    Ryan lives in the space adjoining the gallery. The building, according to Downtown Development Authority member Ronnie Boggs, has not held a viable business for the past seven to eight years.

     

    While she originally hoped to open in January, water damage during renovations postponed the date to February or March. Until the opening, Ryan said she’s dedicated to using local contractors to complete the work. 

     

    “I’m trying to use people who live here and who do work around in Lexington,” Ryan said.

     

    She also hit another setback this month.


    Ryan said her new space was robbed. A painting she planned to sell for $1,600 was stolen out of the window, her American flag was turned upside down and the art hanging in her window was changed, she said.

     

    “I reported it to the police,” Ryan stated in a text. “I’m so disappointed.”

     

    When the gallery eventually opens, Ryan said she hopes the community will embrace her as much as she “loves this little town.”

     

    “My art can be controversial at times because I fight for the rights of women and people who are suffering,” Ryan said. “So, my art is all focused on people who are suffering: male, female, children.”

     

    While some of Ryan’s art can be political in nature, she also prides herself on creating art that appeals to all people. Ryan paints portraits of musical artists, animals and abstract pieces. 

     

    “I think that my artwork, while some of it might be considered political in some ways for people who live here,” Ryan said. “They also will see the artwork that I have, that is stuff that they would appeal to.” 

     

    Boggs said Lexington's newest business is quite welcome. 

     

    “We are obviously extremely happy to have a new owner to a downtown building that has been empty for the last few years,” Boggs said via text. “We will do everything we can to help support her and wish her all the success.”

     

    Though a new business owner in the county, Ryan will not be a new face for all. She occasionally substitute teaches at Oglethorpe County High School, utilizing her degrees in both math and English. 

     

    “I’m totally open to the community,” Ryan said. “And I really hope that the community can accept that I do different kinds of art. I’ve never had an art lesson in my life. I’m self-taught, and I want to speak out for people who are suffering, and that’s what I do.”