Meet Kristy Linville

My Story

       I haven't been in the art world long, but creativity has always been a part of my life. I never fully lived it out until 2023, when God called me to quit my job. I worked as a hairstylist for 5 years. Before that, I worked as a preschool teacher. & before that, I was working as a CNA at Conway Regional and a couple of different nursing homes. I love to look back at where God

had me in my life, preparing me for my future. Every step before was my own, but God waste nothing. 

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          Growing up, I was very artistic, loved drawing and doodling. I always took art classes in school, but sports and friends overshadowed my true calling. I quickly stumbled into a bad crowd and started doing as much bad as I could. After 4 years of partying and drugs, God stopped me. I wrecked my brand new car, broke my neck, found out I was pregnant, had to try wedding dresses on in a neck brace, got married, and had my first son, Cloud. The reason God saved me from the wreck. I got pregnant with my next son, Adler, and started going to church with my sister, JoLeigh. My first marriage ended after 4 rocky years. I quickly found the love of my life, Caleb. God is so good for bringing us together, out of dark places. We got married in 2017. That's when I quit work and started cosmetology school. I loved doing hair and makeup! The closer I became to God, the more He led me to do things, I never thought I'd do. In, 2019, I had a sweet baby girl, Ellie. Covid hit and we started homeschooling. Then, we had another sweet baby girl, Savannah. We then felt called away from sports that were taking over our lives. To continue the "pruning" in my life, God called me to quit my job as a hairstylist. (John 15:2) For the next year, I wondered what my purpose was. Obviously, my most important ministry was at home with my kids. But, after a year of trying to pick up random things... cake decorator, tapestry, opening a boutique, calligraphy, and so many I can't even remember... I decided to sketch a drawing of Cloud, while they were doing schoolwork. I was pretty amazed at myself, so I did Adler next. Then Ellie, Savannah, Caleb, and a self portrait. I then decided to watercolor with the kids. I watched some videos and kept coming across acrylic painting. I ordered some on amazon, along with canvas panels. I just started, right there in the kitchen, with my kids doing school.  What a blessing it was!!! To have a creative release, in the comfort of my home, in the presence of my kids, and a new way of worshipping our Savior and King. 

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          I sold my first painting in May 2023. I started doing commissions here and there (before I even knew what that word meant). I entered in my first art show that October. The Neighbors, an Art Show by Engage Management. I had zero expectations and was so ecstatic to be a part of the show. It was just an honor to have my paintings on a wall, next to other artists, for people to see! The award ceremony started and again, I was just excited to see which paintings won because the whole show was just incredible! (That's when I truly fell in love with "art gallery" idea) Caleb started recording, in hopes of me winning an award. I was just embarrassed that he was holding a phone up, because there was no way I was winning anything!!! I seriously had zero hope for that. I just was happy and content in the crowd. Well, this describes our situation... me as the artist and Caleb, being my biggest supporter. I could not do this mentally, physically, anything without him. 

They got to the last award, the "People's Choice Award," and he is still holding the phone up. They call "KRISTY LINVILLE" and I just couldn't believe it. I was speechless. It was the most incredible night and my husband got it on video. My "Sunset on Greers Ferry" won and then my mom, Julie, bought it. Another huge supporter of mine, that I'm so thankful for. Shes become quite the art collector. I went on doing more and more commissions. Spring 2024, I felt like painting was taking over my living room. So, I moved into a little studio in Mary's Nest in Springhill. It was not at all what I wanted . After a few months, I was driving around downtown and saw a space for rent that's been available for quite a while. I kind of just threw my hands up and was like, it doesn't hurt to ask about it. I was called and they said to come see it right then. So, I did and I was thinking, there is no way I could do that. It was a perfect little space, 250 sqft, with a private bathroom and entrance. $400/mo + utilities. All I can say, is that, God made a way. 

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          It was absolutely perfect for what I needed!! I kept up with rent by doing some events, kids classes, but mostly commissions, which I'm so thankful for! God has allowed me to learn so many lessons through all this. Fall 2024, I entered that same art show and the exact same thing happened... I won the "People's Choice Award" for my "Lion and the Lamb" painting. It was another magical night.  I am currently in the little studio space downtown, but hoping to grow into a larger space soon! I dream of opening a gallery, similar to what I experienced at the first art show. As of winter 2025, I'm continuing to do commissions, entering art shows in Fort Smith, AR and Shreveport, LA., and learning French, dreaming of visiting the most famous art gallery. 

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          I'm so excited to what God is doing. I could go on and on about the things He has taught me on this journey. I never picture myself painting or doing anything but hair. So, this is fully God's lead. I feel like I'm walking blind most of the time, not knowing what the next step is, but there's no better place to be than on God's path.