Curriculum Vitae

Chelsea Klukas · Oil Painter · Seattle, WA

Bio

Chelsea Klukas is a Seattle-based oil painter creating contemporary work in portraiture, food, and domestic subjects. Her paintings frequently examine common, everyday moments with attention to color, light, and atmosphere.

Klukas' fine art practice works primarily in oil on canvas. As a career designer and interdisciplinary creative, her path to the studio was nonlinear. After graduating with a Bachelor of Design from Alberta University of the Arts in 2009, Klukas built a multidisciplinary career with international recognition at the intersection of art and technology. In 2022 she returned to more traditional fine arts models as a focused studio practice. She works and resides in Seattle.

Education

2019 D.F.A. (honoris causa), Watkins College of Art, Design & Film
2009 Bachelor of Design, Alberta University of the Arts

Awards &
honors

2018 Top 100 Women in Wearable and Consumer Tech, Women of Wearables
2016 ACAD Community Service Award, Alberta University of the Arts
2015 Editor's Choice Award, Maker Faire Bay Area
2013 Technology of Exceptional Potential, UK Trade & Investment
2013 Alberta's 25 Most Innovative Organizations, Alberta Venture (MakeFashion)
2013 Best in E-Commerce Solutions, Digital Alberta
2012 Best Mobile App, Digital Alberta
2012 Best Overall Consumer App, Mobile Merit Awards
2011 Notable Young Professional, Notable.ca
2006 Calgary Up-and-Coming Entrepreneurs, Globe and Mail

Exhibitions

2026 Solo Exhibition, The Collective Seattle, Seattle, WA
2023 SAM Remix, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA
2021–22 Unmasking the Pandemic, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON
2020 12 Minutes Max: The 12 Second Edition, The Factory, Seattle, WA
2018 Luma Projection Arts Festival, Binghamton, NY
2011 Group Showcase, The Art Gallery of Calgary, Calgary, AB
2008 Sole Intentions, Group Exhibition, Auckland, NZ
2006 Protean, Solo Exhibition, Looks Could Kill, Calgary, AB
2006 Dreamers, Solo Exhibition, Looks Could Kill, Calgary, AB

Press

2020 NPR, Feature
2020 King 5 News, Feature
2006 Fast Forward Weekly, Arts Feature
2006 Swerve Magazine, Arts Review

Inter­disciplinary
practice

2014–present Founder & Designer, Lumen Couture — Ready-to-wear illuminated fashion and wearable technology. Designed in Seattle, shipped worldwide.
2014–present Co-founder, MakeFashion — International fashion technology organization. 250+ garments showcased at 60+ events worldwide.

Updated June 2026