For Kim P. Chesney, gratitude is more than a feeling — it’s a way of life. It fuels her creativity, her beliefs, and her deep desire to give back. Whether she’s layering encaustic wax onto a canvas, writing a children’s story, or volunteering her time, thankfulness runs through every part of her journey.
That journey began decades ago, in a second-grade classroom. Kim’s choir teacher asked her to emcee the school’s Christmas program, and she said yes before even asking her parents. That simple moment sparked a lifelong love of creative expression and the joy of connecting with others.
“I realized early on that art was my bridge,” Kim says. “It was the way I could reach people’s hearts and encourage them to discover their own voice.”
Her encaustic and mixed-media paintings are a perfect example of that bridge. Tactile and layered, they invite conversation. Visitors often lean in to ask, What is this made from? Can I touch it? Those questions open doors to dialogue — about the history of encaustic art, the blend of tradition and imagination, and the beauty of curiosity itself. For Kim, each piece isn’t just something to look at — it’s an invitation to connect.
But Kim’s story extends well beyond the canvas. Guided by gratitude and a belief in lifting others up, she has lived a life of service. She has donated bone marrow to a leukemia patient, created nutrition programs for disadvantaged children, and organized art events to raise awareness and funds for kids battling serious illness. Even her bestselling children’s book, A Mysterious Night at the Library, was born from her desire to celebrate literacy and inspire imagination.
“I give thanks every day for the energy and confidence to keep going,” she says. “Gratitude gives me the courage to share, to create, and to encourage others to follow their dreams.”
Dreams, in Kim’s life, are never confined to age or timing. She became a professional artist in her mid-50s and published her first book at 70. Today, she’s collaborating with a Nashville songwriter to transform that book into a family-friendly musical. “Creativity pours out of me,” she admits with a smile. “It can be overwhelming at times, but I believe art is a universal language that connects us spiritually, culturally, and historically.”
Her advice to others reflects her own story: It’s never too late to begin again. “Stay curious, stay open, and keep working hard,” she urges. “With determination and a grateful heart, you can create a life that inspires others — at any age.”
Kim’s words resonate even more in this season of reflection. In many ways, her journey is a love letter to gratitude itself — gratitude for the people who supported her, for the opportunities to create, and for the chance to give back. She is quick to point out that every success has been built on the shoulders of mentors, friends, and community members who believed in her. Recognizing those blessings, she says, keeps her humble and focused on paying it forward.
Through her art, writing, and philanthropy, Kim not only builds connections but also leaves behind a legacy of encouragement. She proves that when we lead with gratitude, our lives — and our communities — shine brighter.
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Want to see more of Kim’s world of art and storytelling? Visit www.kimpainterchesney.com, follow her @kimchesneyauthor, or connect on Facebook at Kim Chesney. You can also find her in person at the Holiday Market from 10 am to 2 pm on December 6 at One Ivy Walk — a wonderful chance to experience her creativity firsthand.
“Gratitude gives me the courage to create, share, and encourage others to follow their dreams — at any stage of life.”