Throughout the month of June, the Laurel YWCO will host an art exhibit by Susan Kelly of Birmingham, Ala.

The Laurel native began painting with her friend, Wendy Lovoy, a professional artist, a year ago.

Her artwork is whimsical/funky full of vibrant colors, which Kelly says depicts her personality.

“Whatever that makes me happy is what I paint,” said Kelly. “It is like cheap therapy.”

“I have found something I really, really enjoy doing.”

Kelly said it doesn’t cost a lot to enjoy painting. The materials are fairly inexpensive and you don’t have leave home to enjoy it. “You can stand in your kitchen, backyard or where ever and have a great time painting.”

Kelly was in television advertising for more than 20 years, when she decided she needed a break from the stress and obtained her realtor’s license. She now enjoys her career as a realtor in the Birmingham area and also helps Lovoy teach art classes.

Kelly has never taken formal art classes before other than painting for fun with Lovoy.

“It’s fun to paint but it’s also fun to show people how to paint that have never painted before. It’s very inspiring.”

She is the daughter of Frank and Judy Pilgrim of Laurel. She is married to Brian Kelly and has a son, Stephen, who will soon attend law school.

“If you are passionate and inspired you can do anything,” said Kelly.