From Architecture to Fine Art: Kelly Aiken’s Creative Pivot
Charlotte-based artist Kelly Aiken, founder of Copeley Designs Art, joins OTR for a conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and the evolution of her artistic voice.
With a background in architecture and marketing, Kelly brings structure and storytelling into her fine art practice — blending design precision with expressive abstract techniques, including gold leaf finishes and large-scale mural work.
Inside Copeley Designs Art and the Rise of Gold Leaf Abstraction
Kelly Aiken
Kelly Aiken is an artist and creative designer living in the south area of Charlotte, NC. Kelly graduated from the University of Virginia in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture Design. After working for an architecture firm as Marketing Director in Boston, MA, she switched fields into the art world as Assistant Creative Director at The Paint Bar. She led studio instruction to customers, created new calendar content for two brick-and-mortar locations, and recruited artistic talent by hiring new team members to ensure operational success. In November 2016, Kelly’s daughter, Copeley, inspired her to launch her own creative fine art collections. Copeley Designs Art was established in February 2018, featuring original abstract gold leaf art displayed in local galleries, boutiques, and through West Elm/Minted. Kelly also teaches gold leaf abstract art and the Charlotte Skyline through SkillPop Charlotte. In 2021, she expanded her skills to include murals and gold leaf accent walls in residential and commercial spaces, which is now the largest part of her art practice.
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