Meet the Artist

Kalah embarked on her artistic journey at the age of five, finding inspiration in the simple joys of childhood. Seated in her beloved Winnie the Pooh chair, she would spend hours painting on her easel after school. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, she was captivated by a small craft store on the corner, where creativity flourished. Some of her fondest memories include summer days spent on the steps of her apartment, learning the delicate art of cross-stitching and crafting unique keychains.

As she grew older, her passion for art deepened and expanded. During early adolescence, she immersed herself in the intricate worlds of knitting, crocheting, and bobbin lace. Weekly visits to the yarn shop became a ritual, as she actively created and participated in community events, crocheting items for those in need. At the age of ten, her love for drawing ignited when she completed her first self-portrait—marking a pivotal moment in her creative development. Over time, art evolved into more than a pastime; it became an integral part of her identity.

The 2019 pandemic further fueled her artistic growth, leading her to explore online tutorials and expand her skill set. This transformative period ultimately inspired her to change her college major to art, allowing her to fully immerse herself in studio classes and refine her techniques. In April 2021, her piece Life in Haiti received an Honorable Mention in the Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition. Later that year, in October, she held her first solo exhibition, When the Stars Aligned, a collection of poignant moments reflecting her life’s journey.

As her artistic voice continued to evolve, she recognized the profound impact that art can have. In November 2022, her work What They Did Not See was featured in the Kauffman Gallery’s Senior Exhibit, a deeply personal piece encapsulating the weight of early trauma and the resilience that emerges from it.

Although she never had the chance to know her grandmother, her legacy remains an important part of her life. In honor of this connection, she named her company Ibonet Art and Design, carrying forward a piece of her family’s history through her artistic endeavors.

Driven by an unwavering desire to serve others, she strives to create artwork that resonates deeply and remains treasured. Teaching and creating art every day is a privilege—one that motivates her to experiment with different media, push creative boundaries, and make a lasting impact through her work.