HI THERE. WE’RE KYNDRED ARTS & CULTURE
We’re a Kentucky-based, artist‑led organization, founded in 2019 to honor and engage the rich creativity, memories, skills, talents, and lived experiences of local individuals and communities.
our programs
Artist-led; neuro-, queer-, and gender- affirming; culturally-responsive, community-based arts initiatives:
We translate local creative, critical, and visionary thinking into programs for arts and cultural education, enrichment, community building, and vibrant arts ecosystem development. We center universal design, collective care, and radical belonging to expand opportunities for all Kentuckians to connect, thrive, and shape a more inclusive cultural future.
kynred collective
Kyndred Collective is a Kentucky-based, neuro-affirming artist collective cultivating creative community at the intersections of identity, culture, and place. We center collective care, creative expression, and radical belonging — creating opportunities for neurodivergent+ Kentucky artists to connect and flourish.
Mindful Making. Critical Material Culture.
KYNDRED clay IS A forthcoming, COMMUNITY-DRIVEN CERAMICS studio THAT WILL HONOR THE various cultural lineages that have shaped Northern Ky craft traditions; UPLIFT THE creativity, LIVED-experience, and POTENTIAL held BY LOCALS; AND NURTURE an ARTS AND CULTURAL ECOSYSTEM of hospitality and belonging ACROSS NORTHERN KENTUCKY.
kyndred clay
Meet our Founder
BETHANY PELLE, MFA
Founder and Creative Director, Kyndred Arts & Culture
Bethany Pelle is an arts administrator, facilitator, ceramist, sculptor, and social‑practice artist whose career weaves together masterful clay work with a lifelong dedication to community‑centered, trauma‑informed, and culturally responsive making.
Through Kyndred Arts & Culture, Bethany transforms collective art-making and ceramics practices into catalysts for healing and empowerment – creating thriving, inclusive hubs where every maker can belong.
Technical Authority
With decades of studio practice, teaching, and professional consultancy, Bethany guarantees high‑quality ceramic production and safe, well‑maintained studio operations. Her expertise spans hand‑building, wheel throwing, slip casting, custom clay and glaze formulation, gas & electric firing, mold making, and advanced surface techniques. She has served as visiting assistant Professor at Pratt institute, instructor of record at Tyler school of art, faculty and Ceramics Technician with 92NY,senior Ceramics Specialist for Tom Sachs Studio, and Graduate Studio Assistant at both Tyler School of Art and the University of Miami.
Community‑Arts Pedagogy
Bethany has designed, staffed, and evaluated youth‑focused arts programs that prioritize equity, accessibility, and cultural relevance. As Director of Arts Education at Kennedy Heights Arts Center (2020‑2022), she oversaw a portfolio of programs for all ages, hired and supervised 30+ contract instructors, built partnerships with schools, libraries, and local nonprofits, and facilitated a transformational zine program for diverse high school students. Her work at BLOC Arts (2019‑2020) created after‑school and recovery‑focused ceramics classes that established robust health, safety, and inclusion protocols.
Trauma‑Informed Lens
Certified as a Mental Health Peer Support Specialist, Trained in a Trauma‑Sensitive Mindfulness Peer Facilitation and Death COmpanioning, Bethany embeds a care‑first ethos into every class, workshop, and apprenticeship she leads.
Intersectional Vision
As a neurodivergent artist who actively centers queer, gender‑nonconforming, and culturally diverse voices, she models the inclusive leadership that defines Kyndred Arts & Culture.
Strategic Funding Experience
Multiple grant wins — including Kentucky Foundation for Women’s Radical, Timely, and Urgent Grant (2024 & 2025), Art Meets Activism Grant (2023), and advancing Democracy/Building Power (2019) and People’s Liberty’s Globe Grant (2018) — combined with transparent reporting showcase her fiscal responsibility and capacity to sustain long‑term programming.
Proven Leadership in Community‑Based Arts
Founder & Creative Director, Kyndred Arts & Culture (2019‑present): Built a Kentucky‑based, artist‑led organization that designs inclusive arts‑education programs, curates community‑driven initiatives, and is preparing to open the Kyndred Clay Studio - a space honoring regional craft traditions while foregrounding radical belonging for neuro‑divergent‑plus artists.
Director of Arts Education, Kennedy Heights Arts Center (2020‑2022): Managed youth and adult programs, instituted rigorous evaluation metrics, secured grant funding, and cultivated community partnerships.
Project Manager of Pottery & Ceramics, BLOC Arts Program (2019‑2020): Developed after‑school and recovery‑focused ceramics classes, increasing participation among women in addiction recovery and those transitioning from sex work.
Academic Foundations
MFA in Ceramics (Summa Cum Laude), Tyler School of Art, Temple University
BFA in Ceramics (Summa Cum Laude), University of Miami (minors in Art History & Anthropology)
