In their very first year as a Art student at Cornish College of the Arts, Abby Heustess has already accomplished something extraordinary. They were commissioned by MoPOP to create a piece for an exhibit inspired by the iconic Keith Haring. The result? A stunning 24×36 inch piece titled “Keith’s Community.” It’s a tribute to Haring’s life and career, capturing his journey as an artist from his early days in New York City to his incredible rise as a cultural icon.

The Story Behind Keith’s Community

“When I was asked to create something for MoPOP, I was given complete creative freedom—as long as the piece tied back to Keith Haring in some way,” Abby explains. At first, they weren’t sure which direction to take, but after spending time sketching, inspiration struck. The piece came to life as a visual representation of Haring’s journey, starting with the New York subway, where his art first gained attention, and culminating in a tribute to his later life, including his activism around the AIDS crisis.

Breaking Down the Creative Process

The piece is meticulously layered, with each part telling a different chapter of Haring’s story. From the subway drawings at the base, to scenes from his favorite clubs like Paradise Garage and Club 57, and finally to a sky filled with his signature characters—this piece is full of personal and historical significance. One detail especially stands out: a replica of Haring’s unfinished purple painting, which serves as a poignant reminder of those lost to AIDS.

For materials, Abby used a mix of micron pens, Posca markers, and pencils on mixed media paper. “I spent hours researching Keith Haring’s life, reading books, watching interviews—it was incredible to dive into his world and really understand his process,” they share.

What It Means to Exhibit at MoPOP

For Abby, having their work exhibited at MoPOP has been surreal. “Being commissioned by a major museum and seeing my piece hung in a professional gallery—it’s unreal. I’m just a first-year student at Cornish, and it feels like everything I’ve worked for is finally paying off,” they say. They describe this opportunity as life-changing, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not every day that a young artist gets a moment like this so early in their career.

Advice for Aspiring Artists

So what’s Abby’s advice for other young artists looking to follow in their footsteps? “Put yourself out there. Apply for exhibitions, even if you think you won’t get in. Share your work with people you don’t know, because you never know who’s watching.” They point to their own experience submitting their portfolio to MoPOP and even reaching out to KIRO7, which led to a TV feature on their work. “Take risks—even if you don’t think you’ll get it, you might surprise yourself.”

Looking Ahead

As they dive into their first year at Cornish, Abby is already planning new projects. They’re excited to develop their skills in oil painting, participate in Cornish’s drag club, and continue to push their artistic boundaries. “I’ve got some personal projects I’m really excited to release later this year, and I can’t wait to see what my peers are creating as well,” they share.

If you’d like to see Abby Heustess  work in person, join us at MoPOP for the exhibit opening on October 12. It’s a great opportunity to experience their powerful tribute to Keith Haring, along with other incredible pieces inspired by his legacy. Don’t miss this chance to support Abby Heustess and our community of artists at Cornish College of the Arts.